After the beginning of the war in 1914-18 the value of the German currency began to decline. As a result of the inflation local emergency money became issued since 1916/1917. Until 1922 these emergency money of the municipalities was issued and used besides the Reichsmark. However, since 1920 this initial necessary makeshift became more and more a speculation object of the collectors. The Memelgebiet's emergency money which was issued on February 22nd, 1922 also can be seen in this light. The Board of Trade had got the permission for issuing by the French administration. Since February 15th, 1920 the Memelgebiet was administrated by France. These emergency money banknotes are considerably rarer than such from other cities today. Particularly due to their extremely beautiful design they represent an enrichment for every collection.