Hyperinflation is a devastating economic phenomenon that involves a nation's currency losing value at a rapid pace. The results are lots of people with lots of money, and absolutely nothing they can buy with it.
One of history's most notable examples of hyperinflation came during the early 1920s in post-World War I Germany. The Weimer Hyperinflation as it would later be known, was caused by Germany's significant debt to the victorious powers in conjunction with a money printing program aimed at satisfying striking workers. At its worst, one U.S. Dollar was equal to 4.2 trillion German Marks.
But more modern examples of hyperinflation include Zimbabwe's 2008 disaster, Venezuela just a few years ago, and Lebanon right now.
When money is worth less than the paper it's printed on, people will use it for some pretty funny things. Here are 22 shocking photos of hyperinflation throughout history.
1
Kids playing with bricks made out of money during the hyperinflation in the Weimar Republic in 1923. At its worst in Nov 1923, One U.S. Dollar was equal to 4.2 trillion German Marks.
2
German banknotes being used as wallpaper at the height of Weimar hyperinflation, 1923.
3
Burning paper marks for heat during the Weimar Republic's period of hyperinflation, 1923.
4
German children playing with bundles of worthless money thanks to hyperinflation, 1923.
5
People using German Marks as wallpaper.
6
1 USD’s worth of German Marks during a period in 1923.
7
Children making a kite out of worthless money.
8
Germans use laundry baskets to collect their bulky pay packets during the Weimar Republic, Berlin, 1923.
9
Woman wearing a dress made of nearly worthless hyperinflated German currency, 1923.
10
A German housewife literally burns money for heat under hyperinflation.
11
Hyperinflation in Germany, 1923.
12
German kids flying a kite made of worthless money.
13
A Russian Soldier in Chechnya burning money to warm up during the Hyperinflation in Russia, 1995.
14
A woman uses paper money to ignite her cigarette during the Hungarian Hyperinflation, 1946.
15
Zimbabwe’s hyperinflation caused billions of its currency to become worthless.
16
Hyperinflation in Zimbabwe, 2008.
20
A Ten Trillion Dollar Zimbabwean note, issued in 2008 as a result of hyperinflation.
21
A 22 quintillion, 5 hundred quadrillion Zimbabwe dollar cheque.
22
Venezuelans throw money on the streets as hyperinflation keeps increasing, five years ago.
23
The $8 equivalent in Venezuelan currency, seven years ago.
24
This is 1 USD in Lebanese Lira. Before hyperinflation, it was 1,500 LBP, and now is 90,000 LBP.
