Two World War Two Bank Notes

Own a Piece of World War II History – Philippine Bank Notes

These two banknotes were issued for use in the Philippines during World War II.  One was issued by the Japanese Government that was occupying the island nation.  The other was produced secretly by the Philippine Commonwealth Government in exile. 

When the Japanese forces captured the Philippine Islands in 1943, they outlawed possession of any currency other than their own.  The native Filipinos began calling the new currency “Mickey Mouse” money.  US forces used the bills for psychological warfare.  The currency was overprinted with slogans and dropped by aircraft into occupied territories.  When the war ended, Japanese Philippine currency became invalid.

The exiled Philippine government printed its own money at the same time, officially called Emergency Currency.  Known as Guerrilla Currency, it was used by resistance fighters.  Many of the pesos promissory notes with text offering the redemption of the certificate at the end of the war.  The currency was made secretly and was often crude.  Wooden blocks, metal plates, and typewriters were all used to produce these notes.  It was dangerous to possess Guerilla currency because the Japanese were known to arrest and execute those who were found with the money.  When the war ended, the notes were redeemed at full value by the freed Philippine government.

Wouldn’t these banknotes make a neat addition to your collection?  Whether you’re a history buff or specialize in World War II, there’s a space in your collection for these historic bank notes.