🇩🇪 1971 East Germany 50 Mark Banknote – Honoring Friedrich Engels and Industrial Power
Pick# 30 | Numista# 203937

Issued by the Staatsbank der DDR, the 1971 50 Mark banknote is a powerful symbol of East Germany’s ideological foundation. Featuring Friedrich Engels, co-author of The Communist Manifesto, this note reflects the GDR’s commitment to Marxist philosophy and industrial development.

🖼️ Design Highlights
Obverse: Displays a detailed portrait of Friedrich Engels (1820–1895), philosopher, political theorist, and co-founder of Marxist theory. His image reinforces the ideological roots of the socialist state.

Reverse: Features a large industrial complex, symbolizing the GDR’s focus on heavy industry, economic self-reliance, and the working class.

Color Scheme: Dominated by blue and violet hues, with intricate guilloche patterns and the GDR state emblem—hammer and compass within a wreath of rye.

📌 Key Specifications
Feature Description
Country German Democratic Republic (East Germany)
Issuer Staatsbank der DDR
Year of Issue 1971
Denomination 50 Mark
Pick Number P# 30
Numista Catalog N# 203937
Printer VEB Wertpapierdruckerei der DDR, Leipzig
Size 135 × 59 mm
Material Paper
Watermark Friedrich Engels
Security Features Embedded security thread
Demonetized 1 July 1990 (German reunification)
🎁 Why Collect This Note?
The 1971 50 Mark note is a striking example of Cold War-era socialist design, blending philosophical heritage with industrial ambition. It’s ideal for:

Collectors of Marxist or socialist memorabilia

Enthusiasts of East German history and ideology

Gifts for those born in 1971 or with ties to the GDR

Whether you're curating a Cold War collection or seeking a meaningful historical artifact, this note offers ideological depth and visual strength.