Summer 2026 Militaria & Collectibles Auction
Lot 378:
Description
Complete original set plus more collection of rare currency bills (11) from the Theresienstadt (Terezin) ghetto concentration camp in Czechoslovakia, used during WWII. The set shown includes multiple denominations ranging from 1 to 100 Kronen. This currency came with an envelope addressed “Dr. Benson Saks Chief, Austrian Operations”. Benson was the on the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and director in Austria. The notes depict Moses holding the Ten Commandments, a symbol chosen for propaganda purposes. This specific currency was used for deceptions and had no actual value outside the camp. This currency was used by the Nazis as propaganda to create a false sense of normalcy for the Red Cross and the international community. The bills are in uncirculated condition. From the internet: Dr. J. Benson Saks was a key administrator working with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) in the immediate post-World War II period, specifically in Austria. He focused on the welfare and rehabilitation of Jewish survivors. In February 1946, J. Benson Saks was identified as the head of Austrian Operations for the Joint Distribution Committee (the "Joint"). He was involved in addressing the challenging environment for Jewish survivors in Vienna, advising in February 1946 that Jews should be discouraged from returning to Vienna due to the hostile, anti-semitic, and economically bleak situation at the time. He operated within the complex landscape of occupied Austria, working to rehabilitate survivors and managing relief efforts amidst a challenging climate.
Condition: See description for notes on condition. Please note that all items are sold as is without returns, so please ask questions in advance of bidding.
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