Judaica / Zionism - Germany, Antisemitic Medal “The Usurer”, 1923

Judaica / Zionism - Germany, Antisemitic Medal “The Usurer”, 1923 A group of three antisemitic German medals dated 1923, created during the hyperinflation crisis of the Weimar Republic, a period when Jews were scapegoated for Germany’s financial collapse. Obverse: Depicts a grotesque, obese figure sitting atop sacks of money, raising its hands in an exaggerated manner. The inscription reads: “OB JUD OB CHRIST EIN SCHUFT DER WUCHERER IST” - “Whether Jew or Christian, a usurer is a scoundrel.” Although phrased as a general statement, the imagery unmistakably reflects the antisemitic stereotype of the Jewish moneylender. Reverse: Inscribed: “IN BÖSEN ZEITEN IST OHN ZWEIFEL EIN MENSCH OFT DES ANDERN TEUFEL - 1923” - “In evil times, no doubt, a man is often another man’s devil.” Designed by F. Hörnlein, the medal embodies the toxic propaganda and populist hatred directed at Jews during Germany’s economic crisis. Variants: Top right: Bronze (dark) - Weight: 22.484 g, Diameter: 35 mm Top left: Bronze (light) - Weight: 22.597 g, Diameter: 35 mm Bottom: White metal (aluminum) - Weight: 6.597 g, Diameter: 35 mm