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Hawaii History: Special WWII Bank Notes

October 13, 2015 By Nick Kawakami

Did you know, during World War II and the conflict with Japan, the US treasury issued special currency to the islands?

The emergency bank notes were issued to the islands after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, and were a countermeasure in case the islands became occupied. The notes would make it easier for the federal government to devalue the currency in the islands, and render the notes worthless.

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The special currency was tagged with clearly visible “Hawaii” markings, and replaced regular currency which was immediately recalled to the mainland. As history goes, residents were all issued up to $200, businesses $500, and the rest was burned. You can still find these bills on sites like eBay, but be prepared to pay a hefty collectors fee!

It might just be me, but I kind of want one!

[Factually via Atlas Obscura]

Filed Under: Island Living Tagged With: currency, dollar, hawaii, history, japan, money, world war ii

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