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“Day 14: This is a 5 note set from the city of Genthin, issued in 1921.
The set was issued to commemorate the life and legacy of Otto von Bismarck, who is credited with masterminding the unification of Germany and served as its first chancellor. The text on the front side of each note reads, "In memory of Otto von Bismarck, the honorary citizen of the city of Genthin."
The back side of each note features a depiction of Bismarck at various points throughout his life, along with a famous quote attributed to him. They are as follows:
- 25 Pf: "If we want to learn to swim, we have to go into the water."
- 50 Pf: "A thought that is correct cannot be lied to in the long run."
- 1 Mk: "We are not in this world to be happy and enjoy, but to do our duty."
- 2 Mk: "As God will: it's all just a question of time."
- 5 Mk: "We have no other backing than that we stand back to back."
Side note: The quote featured on the 25 Pf note is remarkably similar to a quote which has been attributed to Bruce Lee, "If you want to learn to swim, jump into the water."
The catalog value for the set is around $8.”
