Lotz Ghetto 10 M - Fake - Museum Gallery

World War Two German occupation of Lodz and the ghetto created by the Nazi Germans for a large population of Jews in that city. This is a typical COUNTERFEIT created in Poland or E. Europe during the 1960's. As the authentic issues became more completely described the counterfeiters (for collectors) became increasingly good at imitation. This is a later issue that is a good forgery. This one is distinguished by a prominent die crack on front of the "U" of 'Uber' on the banner across the 10 on the obverse. Other copies were cast; specialized books are needed to tell the counterfeits; see details below. Usually, these are in rather poor condition in aluminum and even worse in 'elektron' (magnesium). So, excellent examples like this should be immediately suspect! These were given to use in the camp in place of the confiscated money; this was done to prevent blackmarketing. Among the 10 Mark pieces there are thick and thin varieties (this is thin). For a link to a page on other 'Concentration Camp Money' see:
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This example was purchased (and returned) from a very reputable dealer that specializes in Judaica. He expressed the opinion that it was authentic. However, I contend that the well researched book that specializes in this series from the Lotz Ghetto, is correct in identifiying these as counterfeit. That book is: "Litzmannstadt ... A Chapter in German Monetary History", by Guy M.Y.Ph. Franquinet. The counterfeit 10 Mark pieces are described on page 80. The distinguishing characteristics are: 1) very bright and new material (may be partially toned); 2) sharp edges; 3) a sharp angular recess between star and "Getto"; 4) circles and small stars very thin and with sharp edges. Please see my other 10 Mark piece which is also a fake.
The Lodz (Litzmannstadt) Ghetto was established as an industrial base to manufacture war supplies. The Nazis set up a Jewish council and appointed Mordechai Chaim Rumkowski to keep order. From 1942 to 1943, tokens were struck in the name of the Jewish Elders of Litzmannstadt, the name the Germans chose for the city to honor the German General Karl Litzmann, of WWI fame. These tokens were the only legal currency in the Lodz Ghetto. Used to buy what food and medicine they could, Jews traded their personal possessions for the tokens.