Expert: Brad Swain - 11/28/2009

Question
Hi Brad, I have a German banknote dated 1898. The markings on it say Reichsbanfnote. Ein Bundert Marf Berlin, den 1.Juli 1898.  It is 100 mark and has the number, Nr 1246280c, with eight signatures at the bottom of the note. The picture on One side is of Two ladies holding the portrait of another lady in a round frame, blue in colour. It has a fold mark in it  and fold marks in 2 of the corners. Is this rare or have any collectable value?

Answer
Hi Jan, Collector value of a note depends on date, series letter or signature and condition, including amount of wear, any folds, tears or stains as well as collector demand.
This July 1, 1898 100 Mark note is a little scarce. Collector value may be worth about $50 with heavy wear to around $400 with moderate wear to maybe $800 with light wear.
You might try Ebay.com for similar pieces for comparison.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad