Q

Portugal/Notgeld

Notgeld is emergency money issued by local governments and institutions during economic or political crises, typically during a war. Notgeld was issued to temporarily supply the local area with enough money to keep the economy going. Notgeld was typically local notes produced and circulated within the area, but other materials, like coins, leather, or silk, could be used as well.  

During the First and Second World Wars, materials used to make coins were limited because they were primarily used for ammunition for the war effort. Portugal joined the war as part of the Allied Forces. Though the Casa da Moeda and the Bank of Portugal continued to print and circulated their own notes, the supply of banknotes and small change coupons was still not enough for everyday citizens. Therefore, some provinces and towns issued their own banknotes to address this problem. These notes featured the denomination, terms of use, and a local landmark or celebrity.  


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