Banknote Billet Germany (Federal Rep.) 100 deutsche mark 1996

Remarks:

Plis et coupures

The 100 Deutsche Mark banknote issued in 1996 by the Federal Republic of Germany is one of the last representatives of the definitive Deutsche Mark series before the transition to the euro. This banknote with a face value of 100 DM is dedicated to Clara Schumann, a 19th-century German pianist and composer, considered one of the major figures of Romantic music.

The portrait of Clara Schumann (1819-1896) occupies a central place on this banknote. It is a faithful representation of the musician, whose selection illustrates the Bundesbank's commitment to honouring German cultural and intellectual personalities on its banknotes. The note also features graphic elements related to the world of music, including a depiction of a grand piano as well as musical staff lines, reinforcing the connection to Clara Schumann's artistic identity.

This banknote belongs to the fourth series of Deutsche Mark banknotes, gradually issued from 1990 onwards, with the last denominations introduced in the 1990s. The graphic design of this series, produced by the Bundesdruckerei, is distinguished by its vivid colours and advanced anti-counterfeiting features for the time, including an embedded security thread, a watermark depicting Clara Schumann's portrait, and inks with variable optical effects.

The banknote features a dominant red-orange colour, characteristic of this denomination in the series. The reverse of the banknote depicts the former entrance gate of the Gewandhaus in Leipzig, an iconic concert hall where Clara Schumann performed on numerous occasions throughout her career. This banknote was legal tender in Germany until 31 December 2001, the date on which the Deutsche Mark officially ceased to be the German national currency in favour of the euro.