The
rupie was the unit of currency of
German East Africa between 1890 and 1916. During
World War I, the colony was cut off from Germany as a result of a wartime
blockade and the colonial government needed to create an emergency issue of banknotes. Paper made from
linen or
jute was initially used, but because of wartime shortages, the notes were later printed on commercial paper in a variety of colours, wrapping paper, and in one instance, wallpaper. This one-rupie banknote was issued in 1915, and is now part of the
National Numismatic Collection at the
Smithsonian Institution.
Other denominations: Banknote design credit: Deutsch-Ostafrikanische Bank; photographed by Andrew Shiva