Giesecke+Devrient

From its humble beginnings in Leipzig in 1852, Giesecke+Devrient has transformed into a global powerhouse. Giesecke+Devrient started as a printing company founded by Hermann Giesecke and Alphonse Devrient. They specialized in high-quality printing. Their first banknote was a 10-thaler note for the Weimarische Bank, printed just two years after their founding. By the time the German Empire was proclaimed, over two-thirds of Germany’s private and state banks were Giesecke+Devrient clients. Giesecke+Devrient’s reputation for quality extended beyond currency. They printed important biblical editions for Constantin von Tischendorf. Their work was recognized at the 1867 international exhibition in Paris. Giesecke+Devrient’s international reach expanded in 1873. They started printing banknotes for Banco de Piura in Peru. This marked the start of commissions from places like Siam and the Ottoman Empire. During the Weimar Republic’s hyperinflation, Giesecke+Devrient played a vital role. They printed banknotes when the Reich’s printing office couldn’t keep up with demand. They even printed tickets for the 1936 Olympics in Germany. After World War II, the company split. The Leipzig facility was nationalized in East Germany. Siegfried Otto, married to a descendant of Alphonse Devrient, re-established Giesecke+Devrient in Munich in 1948. This marked a new chapter for the company. They printed Deutsche Mark banknotes and continued their global expansion. Today, Giesecke+Devrient stands as a leader in security technology. Their journey from a small printing shop to a global company is a testament to their adaptability and innovation.