COINS & CURRENCY OF WORLD WAR II

A selection of money used during World War 2

NAZI GERMANY SILVER COINS

These four silver coins serve as a memento of the horrors of the Third Reich. The 2 Reichsmark was issued from 1936 to 1939. It pictures Paul von Hindenburg on one side and an eagle holding a wreathed swastika on the other. It is 25mm in diameter and contains .1607 troy ounces of silver.  Nazi Germany used three different designs on their regular issue 5 Reichsmark coins. The first pictured the Potsdam Military Church, also called the Potsdam Garrison Church, on one side and an eagle and two small swastikas on the other. It was struck only from 1934 to 1935. The Church was built by Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm I between 1730 and 1735. Adolf Hitler was sworn in a Chancellor of Germany by Paul von Hindenburg at the Church in 1933. It burned down in the fires caused by the Allied bombing in 1945. The second type was struck during only during the last part of 1935 and the first part of 1936. It pictured Paul von Hindenburg on one side and an eagle on the other. Starting in 1936 the Eagle reverse was replaced with an eagle holding a wreathed swastika, similar to the 2 Reichsmark. The Eagle and Swastika 5 Reichsmark was struck from 1936 to 1939. The silver 5 Reichsmark coins are each 29mm in diameter and contains .4016 troy ounces of silver. Because of the war, no Nazi silver coins were struck after 1939. Coins grade Very Fine.

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NAZI GERMAN 8 COIN SET  

This set consists of the eight lower denominations of Nazi German coins each showing the eagle and swastika. The 1937-1939 issues include the 1, 2, 5 and 10 Reichspfennig made from copper or aluminum-bronze alloys. In 1939 an aluminum 50 Reichspfennig with the Eagle and Swastika was introduced, and was produced until 1944. In 1940 the 1, 5 and 10 Reichspfennig were switched to zinc and the 2 Reichspfennig was discontinued due to the war. All eight coins grade VF or better, though the zinc coins may show some spots as zinc spots very easily. The coins all feature the denomination on one side and an eagle holding a swastika on the other.

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NAZI GERMAN 14 COIN SET

This 14 coin set includes the regular issue coins of Nazi Germany listed above. Included are the following coins: The bronze 1 and 2 Reichspfennig issued from 1936 to 1940 with an eagle and swastika. The aluminum-bronze (brass) 5 and 10 Reichspfennig issued from 1936 to 1939 with an eagle and swastika. The aluminum 50 Reichspfennig picturing an eagle, which was dated only one year, 1935. The nickel 1 Reichsmark with an eagle which was issued from 1933 to 1939. Because nickel was a critical war material, most were melted during the War. The silver 5 Reichmark issued in 1934 and 1935 pictures the Potsdam Garrison Church where Hitler was sworn into office on one side and an eagle and two small swastikas on the other. Paul von Hindenburg and an Eagle are on the silver 5 Reichsmark dated 1935 and 1936. The silver 2 Reichsmark and 5 Reichsmark dating from 1936 to 1939 pictures Hindenburg on one side and an eagle holding a swastika during the other. Because of World War II, the only coins issued after 1940 were the zinc 1, 5 and 10 Reichspfennig, which depict an eagle holding a swastika. The coins grade Very Fine or better, though the zinc coins may have some spots. Because of the difficulty in obtaining all 14 coins at one time, I rarely am able to offer this historic set. (Note: this set includes the coins from Nazi set of 4 silver coins and the Nazi 8 coin set listed above, plus the aluminum 1935 50 Reichspfennig which was issued that single year, and the scarce nickel 1 Reichsmark)

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NAZI GERMAN CURRENCY

The following notes were used in Nazi Germany throughout World War II and remained legal tender until 1948.  The notes bear two dates: the date the note was first authorized, and the date the issuing bank was authorized to issue currency. Unlike coins, the date is not the year the note was printed.  These Reichsbank notes were supposedly backed by gold.

100 REICHSMARK FEATURES SWASTIKA

The 1935 100 Reichsmark features a large swastika underprint at the center. It was the first note of Nazi Germany to feature a swastika. To the right is Justus von Liebig, a 19th century German chemist who is called the "Father of the Fertilizer Industry" for his discovery of nitrogen as an essential plant nutrient.  The back depicts allegorical figures. The note was the highest denomination in general circulation.  It was about half a month's pay for a skilled laborer.



The 20 Reichsmark note dated 1929 portrays Ernst Werner Siemens, the 19th century German industralist and inventor who founded the Siemens A.G. which has expanded into a multi-national company producing a wide range products. The back features children holding tools and a worker carrying a hammer.  It has a watermark of Siemans at the left and an embosed seal near the lower left corner.  The note continued in circulation throughout World War II.

The 10 Reichsmark depicts Albrecht Thaer, a 19th Century German agriculturalist who applied scientific principles to agriculture and set up one of the first agricultural colleges.  The back features two children and a woman carrying a sickle.  The note is dated January 22, 1929 and was issued until 1945..  It has a watermark of Thaer at the right and an embosed seal near the lower left corner.

NAZI GERMAN 5 REICHMARK NOTE FEATURES HITLER YOUTH  

Nazi Germany introduced this 5 Reichmark note in 1942 to replace the silver 5 Reichsmark coins which were disappearing from circulation due to hoarding.  The front of the note features a German young man, along with a small eagle and swastika. The back depicts a woman with a sickle and a man with a wood plane, representing farming and industry.   Between them is a vignette of the Brunswick Cathedral and the Brunswick Lion statue.  The Lion was commissioned by Henry the Lion about 1166AD.  The statue is the oldest, preserved large sculpture from the Middle Ages north of the Alps. The note measures 140x70mm and is brown.  The left side features a watermark of the numeral "5".

NAZI GERMAN RENTENMARK NOTES

In 1937 Nazi Germany introduced 1 and 2 Rentenmark notes. The Rentenmark was equivalent to the Reichsmark however it was the issuing authority was the Rentenbank rather than the Reichsbank, hence the different name.. The Reichsbank did not issue notes under 5 Reichsmarks so the Rentenbank was utilized to issue these lower denomination notes. The Rentenbank's currency was backed by mortgages on land and industrial properties rather than by gold. The emblem of the Rentenbank was a sheaf of grain. The emblem appears both on the back of the notes and in the embossed seal at the lower right corner of the notes. They were the last notes issued by the Rentenbank. The notes continued in circulation until 1948.

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NAZI GERMAN CONVERSION FUND NOTES USED TO PAY JEWS

Jewish and other refugees fleeing Nazi Germany would sometimes be paid for their confiscated property with these Conversion Fund Notes, (called Konversionkasse fur Deutsche Auslandsschulden.) The notes were not legal tender nor were they transferable. Redemption of the notes was difficult, if not impossible.  In most cases their owners found them to be eventually worthless. The original issue is dated 1933.  The 1934 has two red guiloches overprinted on the left side of the 1933 notes, with the lower guiloche containing the date 1934. The large sized notes measure 200 x 115mm.  They are historic and rarely seen items.

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NAZI OCCUPATION CURRENCY

In order to control inflation and limit currency flows, Germany created a special currency, called Reichskreditkassenschein for use in the nations overrun by Hitler's forces. The notes were denominated in German Reichsmark but could only be spent in an occupied country, not in Germany. German troops were paid in these notes, thus effectively forcing the occupied nations to finance the cost of their occupation. The undated notes were issued from 1939 to 1945. We offer the complete set of all six occupation notes: 50 Pfennig, 1, 2, 5, 20 and 50 Reichsmark. The three lower denomination notes have no vignettes other than a small German eagle. The 5 Reichsmark pictures a factory worker and a farmer on the front and the Berlin War Memorial on the back. The 20 Reichsmark depicts Albrecht Durer’s drawing “The Architect” on the front and the Brandenburg Gate on the back. The 50 Reichsmark features the portrait of a woman on the front and Marienburg castle on the back.

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WWII GERMAN ARMED FORCES AUXILIARY PAYMENT CERTIFICATE

During World War II Nazi Germany issued special notes known as Auxiliary Payment Certificates. They were used to pay troops stationed in occupied nations. In an effort to keep the notes from circulating in the local economy they were worth ten times their face value if spent in authorized military establishments or sent back to Germany. The notes have the denomination and two small Wehrmacht eagle and swastika emblems on the front. The back is blank. The 1 Reichspfennig note was released in 1942. It is printed on blue watermarked paper and is 88x43mm.

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WORLD WAR II GERMAN MILITARY CURRENCY

Wehrmacht military currency was used by Nazi Germany to pay its troops during the final months of World War II. The notes are dated September 15, 1944. Soldiers were paid in military scrip while in transit. When a soldier arrived at his post the notes could be converted to the local currency or occupation notes. The notes all have similar designs. The front includes a small Eagle holding a Swastika and the inscription "VERRECHNUNGSSEN FUR DIE DEUTSCHE WEHRMACHT" (Clearing notes for German Armed Forces) The back of the note includes regulations and instructions on how to use the notes.They are interesting and historic pieces of World War II military history.

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NAZI GERMAN BONDS

These bonds were issued by Nazi Germany between 1935 and 1942. The bonds had a lottery aspect, with a portion of the bonds being drawn each year for repayment. The 1935 and 1936 bonds were issued by the Reich Debt Administration and carry a nominal interest rate of 4 1/2%. The 1935 issue bear, the Reich’s eagle from the Weimar Republic, the 1936 have the Nazi Eagle & Swastika emblem. The 1942 bonds were issued by the state of Thuringia with a nominal interest rate of 3 1/2%. They have the embossed Nazi eagle & swastika emblem. The bonds measure approximately 8.5" x 11.75" (21cm x 29.5cm) and have been canceled by a single hole punch. The bonds have a remarkable history. Having been stored in the impenetrable safe of the Reichsbank in Berlin, they survived the Second World War unscathed by bombings. Even during the years of the German Democratic Republic they went largely untouched. In 2015 the German Ministry of Finance had the bonds sold at auction, with the proceeds going to the Nazi Crimes Compensation Fund. They are remarkable and historic items of Nazi German economic history.

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ALLIED MILITARY CURRENCY FOR OCCUPIED GERMANY

The Allied Military currency for Germany was created by the United States for use in Germany after the defeat of the Nazis. The notes are dated 1944 and have a simple design, with the denomination and legends in German on the front and a large letter “M” for  Mark, on the back.  As the Soviet Union participated in the occupation of Germany, they demanded that they too print a portion of the notes.  After great debate, the United States gave into the Soviet demand, and provided them with glass plates, inks, paper and specimen notes.  The Soviets then proceeded to print vast quantities of the notes, without regard to the wishes of the other allies, fueling inflation in the war-torn country.  There are however a few very minor differences that distinguish the United States issues and the Soviet issues.  The United States issues were printed by Forbes Lithograph Manufacturing Company (Forbes Printing) in Massachusetts, and contain secret mark:  a tiny letter "F" hidden in the scrollwork. The exact location varied by denomination.  The plates provided to the Soviets did not have that "F", so it is lacking on the Soviet issues.  The Soviets did not have serial numbering equipment capable to print nine-digit number, so they combined a three digit and a six-digit block for their printings, which causes a slight gap between the third and forth digits.  Forbes used a dash for the first digit to signify a replacement note.  The samples provided the Soviets were replacement notes, so initially all the Soviet issues had a dash for the first digit of the serial number – until they printed so many notes that they needed all 9 digits.  In 1948 the Allied Military Currency was withdrawn and replaced with the currency of West Germany and East Germany. 
   We are pleased to offer the following the following selection historic Allied Military Currency notes used in the occupation of Germany.

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FASCIST ITALY SILVER COIN OF VICTOR EMMANUEL III 

This silver 5 Lire of Fascist Italy dates from 1927 to 1930.  King Victor Emmanuel III (Vittorio Emanuele III) is on the obverse.  An eagle and fasces, the emblem of Fascist Italy is on the reverse.  By 1927 Mussolini had turned Italy into a dictatorship and the king was largely a figurehead. The 23mm coin weighs 5 grams and contains .1342 troy ounces of silver.  It is an  historic silver coin of Fascist Italy.

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FASCIST ITALY WORLD WAR II COIN SET

This 6-coin World War II era set from Fascist Italy includes the 5, 10, 20 & 50 Centesimi, 1 & 2 Lire dating from 1939 to 1943. The obverse of the coins depict King Victor Emmanuel III portrayed as a Roman Emperor.  The coins reverses all include a fasces in the design, in an attempt to show that Mussolini and the Fascists were the power behind the throne. The 10 Centesimi depicts the Italian shield, grain, oak leaves and a fasces.  A personification of Italy next to a Roman fasces is on the reverse of the 20 Centesimi.  The 5 Centesimi, 50 Centesimi, 1 and 2 Lire have designs incorporating an eagle and a fasces.  While many countries debased their coins during the war, Italy continued to strike attractive coins using high quality coinage medals.  The 5 and 10 Centesimi are aluminum-bronze.  The other coins are stainless steel. Production of the coins ceased in 1943 after King Victor Emanuel dismissed Mussolini.

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FIRST BANKNOTE OF NAZI OCCUPIED SERBIA

The first banknotes issued by the Germans after invaiding Serbia were made by overprinting Yugoslavian banknotes they found in the vaults of the central bank. Perhaps it is telling that the Nazi's would put their ugly brown overprint on what was then one of the world's prettiest banknotes. This 100 Dinar note dated May 1, 1941, less than a month after the Nazi invasion began. It is overprinted on the 1929 Yugoslavia 100 Dinar banknotes. The front depicts young woman holding a sword. The back features a young man with a large garland of fruit.

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BEAUTIFUL BANKNOTE OF NAZI OCCUPIED SERBIA

On April 6, 1941 Axis Forces under Nazi Germany invaded Yugoslavia. They promptly conquered and divided the nation along ethnic lines. Serbia was placed under the control of the German military. Serbia issued some beautiful, multi-color banknotes while under Nazi German control. The notes were printed by the Serbian Institute for Manufacturing Banknotes and Coins in Belgrade. The 500 Dinar dated May 1, 1942 features the Serbian arms and a bare chested man sowing seeds on the front. The back depicts a bare chested man harvesting wheat with a sxythe. The notes have the watermark of King Alexander I. They are impressive, large size, colorful notes from a time when Serbia was under Nazi domination.

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LAST BANKNOTE OF NAZI OCCUPIED SERBIA

The 100 Dinar note dated January 1, 1943 was the last note issued by Nazi German occupied Serbia before it was liberated in 1944. The front depicts Saint Sava. Sava, known as the Enlightener, was a 13th century Serbian prince and monk who is considered one of the most important figures in Serbian history. The back depicts a cornucopia spilling out fruit and a farmer with a pair of oxen. The note has a watermark of a woman's head. It measures 165 x 84mm.

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WWII FASCIST ROMANIA BANKNOTE

Romania came under the control of fascist dictator Ion Antonescu in September 1940. The country officially joined the Axis powers in November 1940. It was a major participant in the invasion of the Soviet Union, contributing both troops and equipment, and was a major supplier of oil for the German war machine. In 1943 the Allies began heavy bombing of Romania. The Soviet Union invaded in 1944. Shortly thereafter young King Michael, who had previously been little more than a figurehead, led a coup that overthrew Antonescu. Romania then joined the Allies. Soviet troops quickly occupied Romania, even though Romania was now on the same side as the Soviet Union. This Romanian 500 Lei note is dated between November 1940 and January 1943, the period when Romania was under the control of the fascists and supporting Nazi Germany. The brown note depicts two female farmers carrying hoes on the front. The back features the Peles Castle. The Neo-Renaissance castle was built as a royal residence for Carol I, the first king of modern Romania, between 1873 and 1914. Today it is a popular tourist attraction.

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WORLD WAR II COINS OF VICHY FRANCE

Vichy France was the collaborationist government set up by the Germans after France was defeated by Germany in World War II. Its administrative capital was in the town of Vichy. Though it nominally ruled France, in reality it only controlled the south-eastern portion of the country, while Germany controlled the rest. This three coin set includes the 50 Centimes, 1 and 2 Francs of Vichy France, also known as “Etat Francais” or French State. The three aluminum coins were struck in Nazi occupied Paris. They circulated in both the German occupied and Vichy controlled portions of France. One side of the coin features a double-headed axe flanked by grain. The other side has the denomination flanked by oak leaves and the legend “TRAVAIL, FAMILLE, PATRIE” (“work, family, fatherland”). The legend replaced the traditional motto of the French Republic “liberty, equality, fraternity”. The coins date from 1942 to 1944.

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NAZI OCCUPIED BELGIUM COIN SET

In May 1940 Nazi German troops invaded Belgium.  Belgian King Leopold III took command of his army, then surrendered after just two weeks.   Though most of the Belgian government, along with that most of the other occupied nations set up governments in exile, Leopold refused to join them. Instead, he stayed in Belgium and collaborated with the Germans.  After the liberation of Belgium there was so much hostility towards the King over his cooperation with the Germans that he did not return to his home country until 1950, and was then forced to abdicate in favor of his son. In 1941 the German Occupation government introduced new zinc coins for Belgium.  The 5 Franc featured a portrait of King Leopold III.  The 1 Franc has the arms of Belgium on the obverse and the king's monogram on the reverse.  The 25 Centimes has a center hole.  One side has the coat of arms of Brussels, Mons and Bruges.  The other side has the king's monogram.  All three coins have their legends in both official languages of Belgium: French and Flemish.  The coins were struck from 1941 until 1946.  They grade VF, though may have a few spots as is typical of zinc coins.

Also see:

WORLD WAR I GERMAN OCCUPATION COINS OF BELGIUM

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WWII BELGIAN COIN STRUCK ON U.S. WAR CENT BLANK 

In 1944, in order to provide new coins for the newly liberated Belgium, and use up the excess blanks left over when the unpopular 1943 steel cent was discontinued, the US mint struck the new Belgium 2 Franc coin on unused steel cent blanks.  The coins were struck for one year only, perhaps because the Belgians disliked the coins as much as the Americans did.

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COIN OF THE NAZI PUPPET STATE OF BOHEMIA & MORAVIA

The Nazis invaded Czechoslovakia in 1938, incorporating part of it into Germany. In the western portion of what remained they created a puppet state called the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. From Bohemia and Moravia we offer the zinc 1 Korun coin that was struck from 1941 until 1944. One side depicts the Bohemian lion. The other has Linden branches, the date and the denomination.

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LASTCOIN OF THE KINGDOM OF YUGOSLAVIA

This 1938 10 Dinara is one of the last coins of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. The obverse of the 23mm nickel coin depicts the head of young King Peter II. The reverse has the royal crown, denomination and date within a wreath. Peter became king in 1934 at age 11 upon the assassination of his father, King Alexander I. Though he was opposed to Nazi Germany, his regent signed a pact that allied Yugoslavia with the Nazis in 1941. Two days later a British supported coup overthrew the regency and proclaimed the 17 year old Peter to be of age and in control of Yugoslavia. Hitler responded by attacking and quickly conquering Yugoslavia. Peter escaped by climbing down a drainpipe. He never returned to his homeland. He made his way to London, then after the war lived in the United States, eventually working in a Los Angeles Savings and Loan before he died in Denver in 1970.

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WORLD WAR II COIN OF SPAIN

Though Francisco Franco and the Spanish Nationalists received heavy assistance from Hitler during the Spanish Civil War and the two were ideologically similar, Spain never officially joined the Axis powers in World War II. Spain provided volunteers to fight against Russia, but insisted they not be used on the western front. Negotiations between Hitler and Franco concerning Spain formally entering the war did not go well, with Hitler reportedly saying "I prefer to have three or four of my own teeth pulled out than to speak to that man again!". This 1944 21mm aluminum-bronze Spanish 1 Peseta depicts coat of arms of Spain on the obverse. The reverse features the historical symbols of Spain around the denomination: a pomegranate for Granada, four pallets for Aragon, a castle of Castile, a lion for León, chains for Navarre and a bundle of arrows for the Catholic Monarchs (Ferdinand and Isabella) who united the country.

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WORLD WAR II COINS OF THE VATICAN

During World War II the Vatican was in a difficult position, torn between its Christian duties and the need to cooperate with Fascist Italy which granted the Vatican its independence in 1929. We are pleased to offer the following coins of the Vatican struck during these difficult war years. The 1941 50 Centesimi depicts Archangel Michael drawing his sword. The 1941 1 Lira depicts the Virgin Mary standing on the globe and a crescent moon. The obverses of the coins have the Papal Arms of Pius XII which feature a dove holding an olive branch. The coins are struck in stainless steel.

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LAST BRONZE JAPANESE 1 SEN FORSHADOWS UPCOMING WAR

IIn 1938 Japan intoduced a new design for their bronze 1 Sen coin.  The obverse features the mythological crow called Yatagarasu, which sybolizes a devine intervention into human affairs.  The other side features the Imperial Chrysanthemum seal, which signifies the Emperor at the top.  The denomination is in the middle.  At the bottom is the Paulownia Flower, which is the seal of the civilian government of Japan.  The new coin replaced the previous 1 Sen which featured only the Paulownia Flower. The coin is dated in the 13th year of Emperor Hirohito's reign (Showa Era year 13).  When the coin was issued Japan had already invaded China and was gearing up for more war.  Because copper was an important war material, the new bronze coin had less copper than the previous issues.   The 23mm bronze coin was struck for less than a year before it was replaced with an aluminum coin.  The historic, old coin is in Uncirculated condition, though may show a bit of toning.

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COINS OF OCCUPIED JAPAN

This set includes two of the first coins Japan issued following its defeat in World War II, while it was under American occupation. They were some of the first Japanese coins to feature the denomination in western numerals. Both coins feature cherry blossoms, which signifies renewal, and the Imperial Chrysanthemum Seal representing the Emperor. The aluminum 10 Sen was minted only in 1945 and 1946, before it was discontinued due to inflation. One side features rice stalks and the denomination in Japanese. The other side depicts a cherry blossom and the denomination in western numerals. The brass 50 Sen was struck only in 1947 and 1948, before it too was discontinued due to a lack of buying power. The obverse features the denomination in Japanese within a wreath of cherry blossoms and the denomination in Japanese. The denomination in western numerals is on the reverse.

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1938 CHINESE WAR BOND DEPICTS AIR AND SEA BATTLES

This 1938 5 Dollar Chinese War bond include two wonderful vignettes. One showing an aerial dogfight, the other depicting costal gun emplacements blasting ships offshore. The bond was issued by Kwangtung Province of China in March 1938 to raise funds in a desperate attempt to stop the Japanese invasion of China. By the time the bonds were issued, Japan had already begun an naval and aerial blockade of Canton (now Guangzhou), the capital of Kwangtung Province (now Guangzhou). Beijing, Shanghai and the national capital of Nanjing had already fallen to the Japanese. The defense of Canton failed and the city fell to the Japanese in December 1938. The bonds are labeled in Chinese "27th year Kwangtung Province National Defense Public Bond" and paid a 4% interest. Only the first three coupons on each bond have been clipped. The bond measures approximately 10.5"x12.5" (26x31.5cm) and is blue. It is an important item issued during the Japanese invasion of China.

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WORLD WAR II CHINESE COIN DEPICTS ANCIENT SPADE COIN

This 1940 Chinese 1 Fen (1 cent) coin depicts an ancient bronze Chinese Spade coin issued by the State of Han between about 350 and 250BC.  It demonstrates China's long history of coinage.  The reverse has the denomination and date in Chinese.  The 16mm aluminum 1 Fen coin was struck only a single year, during a time when Japanese forces were attempting to conquer China. 

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JAPANESE MILITARY CURRENCY FOR CHINA

Japan issued Military Currency starting in 1938 for use in the areas of China that they occupied. Because civilians were forced to accept the Military Yen, which was not backed and could not be exchanged into Japanese Yen, it cost the Japanese government virtually nothing to purchase whatever they wanted. The initial issues of Military currency were created by overprinting Japanese homeland notes by putting a red line through the "Bank of Japan Convertible Silver Note" at the front, another line through the Bank of Japan seal on the back putting four large "Military Note" characters on both sides. The next issue used modified homeland notes that did not have the the Bank of Japan inscriptions or seals. Later notes were issued for China with the inscription Imperial Japanese Government without the Military note overprint. The 50 Sen note depicts a dragon on the front and inscriptions on the back.

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UNUSUAL FIBER COINS FROM WWII JAPANESE OCCUPATION OF CHINA

Manchukuo was a Japanese puppet state carved out of Northeastern China prior to World War II. Due to a severe metal shortage towards the end of the war, it issued these unusual 1 Fen and 5 Fen coins struck in a thick, red material rather than metal. The coins are dated in the year of the reign of Emperor Kang Te of Manchukuo. Kang Te was formerly known as Pu Yi, who was the last Emperor of China until he was deposed in 1911. The Japanese used him as the figurehead leader for Manchukuo. The 1 Fen struck only a single year; 1945. The 5 Fen was struck in 1944 and 1945. Because the material used was relatively soft, the coins show considerable wear. These historic World War II coins are some of the few circulating non-metallic coins of the 20th century.

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JAPANESE INVASION OF THE UNITED STATES?

When these notes issued by Japan started showing up during World War II, many people took it as proof that Japan was about to conquer the United States and had already printed new currency for the United States. After all, the notes were clearly denominated in Dollar or Cents and had the words "THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT" in large letters. The story was repeated so many times that many believed it must be true. Though the Japanese government did print the notes, however they were for use in Malay, which Japan conquered by early 1942, and not the United States. Like the United States, Malaya used dollars and cents. The Uncirculated 10 Dollar notes pictures features bananas, breadfruit and coconuts on the front and palm trees and a ship steaming in the horizon on the back. These are historic collector’s items recalling Japan’s unsuccessful attempt to extend her empire across Asia in World War II

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WORLD WAR II PHILIPPINE GUERRILLA NOTES

To finance their activities fighting the Japanese during World War II various guerrilla bands in the Philippines issued their own currency. The guerillas would set up currency boards which would issue notes. Anyone caught using the Japanese invasion money was severely punished. Generally, each province would have its own currency board. The names of three members of the currency board would appear on each note, which was a very brave and brazen act of defiance against the Japanese invaders. The notes tend to be crude, as they were printed under rather unfavorable conditions with limited resources. We are pleased to offer a set of 24 different World War II Philippine Guerilla notes. The notes grade Very Good to Very Fine. These notes are a historic vestige of the brave Filipinos who fought against the Japanese in World War II.

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LAST CENT OF THE NETHERLANDS EAST INDIES WAS FROM PHILADELPHIA

This 1945 Netherlands East Indies cent was struck at the United States Mint in Philadelphia. It was expected that the coins would be needed after the liberation if the Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia) from the Japanese. The "P" mintmark is next to the date. The 23.5mm bronze cent has a center hole, which was an unusual production requirement for the United States mint. The obverse depicts a rice plant and the legends in Dutch. Indonesia gained independence shortly after World War II, bringing an end to Dutch rule.

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WWII CANADA TOMBAC 1942 BEAVER AND 1943 VICTORY 5 CENTS

During 1942, because nickel was needed for the war effort, Canada replaced the nickel 5 cent coin with one made of a brass alloy called Tombac. The new coins were 12-sided, making them even more distinctive. The new coins kept the beaver reverse and King George VI that was on the previous coins. The coins were struck only a single year. On January 1, 1943 Canada released a new design for their 5-cent coin to promote the war effort of World War II. The reverse featured a large "V" behind a burning torch. The V both stood for Victory and the denomination in Roman numerals). Even though the coin is not made of nickel, it is often referred to as Canada's V Nickel. Around the edge is the inscription in Morse code which reads "WE WIN WHEN WE WORK WILLINGLY". Like the 1942 issue, the coin is made of Tombac and depictes King George VI on the obverse. It too was struck only a single year. In 1944 the Tombac allow was replaced with chrome-plated steel.

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CANADA 2020 WORLD WAR II VICTORY 2 DOLLAR COIN

Canada commemorated the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II with colored and un-colored versions of this 2020 2 Dollar coin. The coins have similar reverse designs which were adapted from Canada's World War II era Victory 5 cent coins. The designs feature a torch and a large "V" in the center. On the outer ring is the inscription "WE WIN WHEN WE WORK WILLINGLY" in Morse code and the words Victory and Remember are in English and French. At the top are two shifting images of a maple leaf within the line pattern. The obverse depicts the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

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WORLD WAR II CANADIAN MEAT RATION TOKEN

Meat was rationed in Canada during World War II. Families received a ration booklet which allowed them to purchase a limited quantity of rationed goods, including tea, coffee, sugar, butter, booze and meat each week. Each weekly meat ration coupon was good for 2 pounds of meat. The problem was that many did not have refrigeration at home, so they would either forfeit the whole coupon for a lesser amount of meat, or buy their full amount and risk it going bad before it could be used. In 1945 the Canadian government finally wised up and issued meat ration tokens that were good for a lesser quantity of meat. Each token was worth 1/8 of a meat ration coupon (1/4 pound of meat), so if someone bought less than their full ration of meat the tokens could be given out to be used later. If one bought half their weekly ration of meat, they would receive four tokens for later use. The 22mm blue token is struck on a heavy blue cardboard with a center hole. Both sides have the same design with the words "CANADA - RATION MEAT - VIANDE" and two maple leaves.

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UNCIRCULATED WORLD WAR II COINS OF MEXICO

World War II was a time of prosperity for Mexico. Its minerals were much in demand for the war effort. Many Mexicans went to the north to work in agriculture to cover for the shortage farm labor in the United States. These Uncirculated 5 Centavos bronze 5 Centavos are dated 1944 and 1945, during the height of Mexico’s prosperity. The 25.5mm bronze coins depict Josefa Ortiz De Dominguez, one of the hero’s of Mexico’s War of Independence. Behind her head is the Mexico City mintmark. The other side features Mexico’s national emblem of an eagle on a cactus eating a snake. It is an attractive coin that is quite reasonably priced considering it is over 70 years old and still in it’s original mint condition.

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WORLD WAR II COINS OF BOLIVIA STRUCK AT THE PHILADELPHIA MINT

This three-coin set includes the zinc 10 and 20 Centavos and bronze 50 Centavos dated 1942. The coins were struck at the United States mint in Philadelphia. The three coins have similar designs. The obverses depict the Bolivian arms which feature the Potosi mountain silver mine and an alpaca. The reverses have a caduceus, the denomination and date. During World War II Bolivia's mines supplied much needed tin to the Allies. Bolivia did not declare war on Germany until 1943, by which time it was becoming clear that the Axis powers were losing the war. Bolivia did not send troops, ships or airplanes overseas to fight the war.

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ALLIED LEADERS OF WORLD WAR II

Winston Churchill served as Prime Minister of Great Britain during the World War II years of 1940 to 1945. His speeches and radio broadcasts helped inspire British confidence, especially during the difficult early years of the war when Britain stood almost alone against Nazi Germany. He was honored after his death in 1965 on the British 5 Shillings coin (1 Crown). It was the first British coin to portray a commoner since the 1650’s and it was the last 5 Shilling coin ever struck by Great Britain. The obverse of the 38.6mm copper-nickel coin has Mary Gillick’s portrait of young Queen Elizabeth. The reverse portrays a rough portrait of Churchill.

Dwight David Eisenhower was a five-star general in the United States Army during World War II and served as Supreme Allied Commander in Europe. He led the invasion of North Africa in 1942–43 and the successful invasion of France and Germany in 1944–45. He served as the 34th President of the United States from 1953 to 1961. He is portrayed on the large 38.1mm copper-nickel clad United States Dollar coin issued in 1976 to commemorae teh bi-centennial of theUnited States and the smaller 26.5mm 2015 United States Presidential “Golden Dollar”. The 1976 large dollar commemorates the bi-centennial of the United States. Below Eisenhower is the double dates 1776-1976. The reverse depicts the Liberty Bell and the Moon. The Eisenhower Presidential dollar features the Statue of Liberty on the reverse. The date, mintmark and legends are on the edge of the coin. The Eisenhower Presidential Dollar was not released into circulation but was only available from the mint at a premium. Despite the coins coming directly from the original mint bags, most coins have nicks or bagmarks. The large coins are some of the least expensive crown-sized coins available, and honor two great leaders of World War II.

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PORTUGUESE TIMOR HONORS WORLD WAR II HERO

Portuguese Timor, now the independent nation of East Timor, honored their World War II hero Dom Aleixo Corte-Real on this 1967 20 Escudos note. A vignette and watermark of him wearing an impressive feather crown appears on the front of the note. He is the only native to be honored on a banknote of Portuguese Timor and one of the only World War II heroes to be honored on a banknote anywhere. Aleixo Corte-Real, also known as Dom Aleixo Timorese was born in 1886. In 1912 he became the Liurai (chief) of the region of Ainaro. He was a strong supporter of the Portuguese rule of Timor. The Japanese invaded Portuguese Timor in 1942, even though Portugal was a neutral country during the war. He led a major revolt against the Japanese until he was captured in 1943. He refused to denounce the Portuguese flag, for which he and his family were killed by the Japanese. The back of the note includes the Portuguese Imperial Arms and the seal of the Banco National Ultramarino which features a sailing ship. The note measures 135 x 75mm and has a solid security thread. Because Portuguese Timor was a small, isolated colony its notes are difficult to find. The note is Uncirculated, but has minor brown stains from storage in the tropics.

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WORLD WAR II COMMEMORATIVE FROM ASCENSION ISLAND

Ascension Island commemorated the 80th Anniversary of the start of World War II with this copper-nickel 1 Crown. An airbase was constructed on the island during the war for patrol operations. The base was called "wideawake" because of a nearby colony of noisy terns. The coin features three soldiers with tanks and war vehicles, ships and Lancaster airplanes in the background. Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse. The 38.6mm coin has a maximum mintage of 10,000 pieces.

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SAIPAN HONORS WORLD WAR II BATTLE

Saipan is now part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. In World War II it was the site of one of the bloodiest and most strategic battles in the Pacific. Saipan was Japanese territory and one of the last line of defenses before the homeland. An estimated 29,000 Japanese soldiers and 20,000 civilians died trying to defend the island. 3,426 Americans died and 10,364 were wounded. The loss of Saipan was a major blow to Japan. American B-29 bombers were now within striking range of mainland Japan and the Philippines. The obverse unofficial 2019 Saipan 5 Dollar coin depicts the emblem of the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands. The reverse features a Marine in front of a waving American flag and the dates of the Battle of Saipan. The 40mm eight-sided silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 160 pieces.

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ALSO SEE:
GERMAN COINS & CURRENCY PAGE
NAZI COINS PAGE
JAPANESE COINS & CURRENCY PAGE
RUSSIA WWII CITIES OF MILITARY GLORY COINS

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For a great selection of aviation art, including World War II and autographed art, please visit: Virginia Bader Fine Arts (vbader.com)

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