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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 five-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
Other denominations: Banknote design credit: Deutsch-Ostafrikanische Bank; photographed by Andrew Shiva