1915 German East Africa 1 Rupee – Wartime Emergency Issue (E Prefix)
Discover the 1915 German East Africa 1 Rupee banknote (P-16a), a rare emergency issue from World War I, printed under extreme wartime conditions to sustain the economy of German East Africa.
Historical Context
Issued by the Deutsch-Ostafrikanische Bank, this 1 Rupee note was part of the 1915–1917 emergency wartime series, created due to shortages of metal coinage during the conflict. As British and Allied forces advanced, German East Africa relied on paper currency to maintain financial stability. The E-prefix notes were among the later wartime issues, printed on thick gray paper.
Key Features & Specifications
Pick Number: P-16a
Denomination: 1 German East African Rupee
Material: Thick gray paper (wartime emergency issue)
Issuing Authority: Deutsch-Ostafrikanische Bank
Size: Varies slightly due to emergency printing methods
Printer: Local wartime production
Demonetized: Withdrawn after Germany’s defeat in East Africa (1917)
Watermark: None (due to emergency printing conditions)
Serial Prefix: E, indicating a specific wartime print batch
Design Elements
Front: Displays the Imperial German Eagle at the upper left, with the text "Kraft besonderer Ermächtigung" (By special authorization) below the date. The note is signed "Gez.: A. Frühling" at the right.
Back: Typically blank or with simple security markings, reflecting the rushed wartime production.
Lettering on the Note
The front of the note includes the official statement: "Deutsch-Ostafrikanische Bank – 1 Rupie – Kraft besonderer Ermächtigung."
Additionally, the note features:
Serial prefix "E", indicating a specific emergency print batch
Denomination ("1 Rupie") prominently displayed
Security Features
Basic printing techniques due to wartime constraints
Stamped signatures instead of engraved details
Different paper qualities, ranging from gray-brown to dark-brown wrapping paper
Collector’s & Gift Appeal
This 1 Rupee banknote holds significant historical and artistic value, making it a sought-after item for collectors and a unique keepsake. It’s a perfect gift for: ✨ World War I history enthusiasts – A tangible piece of wartime finance from German East Africa. ✨ Collectors of colonial banknotes – A rare emergency issue from Germany’s African territories. ✨ Individuals fascinated by military economics – A note reflecting the financial struggles of wartime occupation.
Why Collect This Banknote?
Owning the 1915 German East Africa 1 Rupee note (E Prefix) is more than just acquiring currency—it’s holding a piece of history, showcasing the resilience of German forces and the economic adaptations during World War I.
