The product is a circulated 1955 East German 5 Deutsche Mark banknote with certification number EI 419143. This banknote is from East Germany.
In 1955, the Soviet Union declared the German Democratic Republic (GDR) a fully sovereign state, yet maintained a heavy military occupation under the guise of the Warsaw Pact. While official "occupation" ended, massive Soviet forces remained, ensuring control over the East German government and enforcing communist policies.

Key Aspects of the 1955 Situation:
Sovereignty vs. Occupation: Although the USSR recognized GDR sovereignty, Soviet troops stayed based on the Potsdam agreement and to counter NATO, which remained in West Germany.
The Treaty on Relations: On September 20, 1955, a treaty was enacted stating that Soviet troops, while stationed in the GDR with the government's consent, would not interfere in domestic affairs, a claim that in practice was often ignored.
Continued Soviet Influence: The Soviet High Commission was replaced by an embassy, but the Soviet Union maintained substantial control over East German administration, lawmaking, and security via the threat of force, similar to the 1953 uprising repression.
Divided City: Berlin remained under four-power, though practically separated, and the Soviet Army Command still controlled access to West Berlin.
Military Presence: The Group of Soviet Forces in Germany (GSFG) remained in place to protect the socialist state.
By 1955, the occupation transitioned from direct military administration to a "treaty-based" presence, maintaining East Germany firmly within the Soviet sphere of influence.
This East German banknote is a valuable piece of European paper money history that can be a unique addition to any coin or paper money collection.