Still time, then, for a grand old financial institution to demur expanding its mandate to a Deutschmark-less country some 7,000 km away from Frankfurt.
Perhaps Italy and Spain might be wondering if they too could be better off with a sovereign currency, leaving a tighter deutschmark zone to the north.
The euro would be turned into a glorified Deutschmark peg: speculators would have a big incentive to bet on who will be next to leave the currency; and history (the ERM for example) shows those bets can be self-fulfilling.
I had to pay a 100 Deutschmark fine.
Germany has repeatedly rejected the country's claims and says it has honoured its obligations, including a 115m deutschmark payment to Greece in 1960.
In 1950, a better-equipped "Export" version became available for 850 Deutschmark with a battery, an electric horn, a centre stand, a speedometer, a more comfortable seat, chrome plating, pinstriping, and a choice of colours including lime green and gloss black.
What would in effect be a super-Deutschmark would soar in value, and prove a nightmare for German exporters.
"That year, West Germany lent East Germany a billion deutschmarks because they were running out of money and many West Germans had family there," says Jörg. "It was also the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther's birthday, so that was a pan-German celebration.
In Juan's case, it seems more likely that he was the gracious host who admired Nazis as people, enjoyed their company at dinner, and probably pocketed a few Deutschmarks in exchange for his conviviality, but never embraced their divisive, millenarian policies.
A return to the Deutschmark would signify a 40%% appreciation of the currency for Germany, which would have a tremendous impact on its export-led economy – resulting in high rates of unemployment and considerable tax losses.
