1935A $1 WWII Emergency Issue Hawaii Note // PMG Certified Gem Uncirculated 66EPQ

During World War II, the potential for enemy seizure of American cash circulating in Hawaii and North Africa was a significant concern. Two emergency issues of paper money were produced with the idea that this special currency could be cancelled in the event of invasion, rendering it worthless in enemy hands. Offered here is a mint state example Federal Reserve Emergency Note bearing the distinctive brown seal and bold HAWAII overprints on the front and back.

The circumstances surrounding the issuance of emergency currency were somewhat different in Hawaii and North Africa. After the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941, there was deep concern that Japan would launch a full-scale invasion and succeed in capturing Hawaii and the cash that circulated there. The solution was a special issue of notes with distinctive brown Treasury seals and black-inked HAWAII overprints on both sides. The new notes were released in July of 1942 and were the only form of paper money legal in Hawaii from August 15, 1942 until October of 1944. The Hawaii notes were issued in $1, $5, $10, and $20 denominations. The $1 notes were silver certificates, while the others were Federal Reserve Notes from the San Francisco district. All $1 Hawaii notes were dated series 1935A, while the $10 notes were dated 1934A, and the $5 and $20 notes were dated either 1934 or 1934A. Fortunately, the Japanese invasion of Hawaii never occurred and in October of 1944 all restrictions on currency circulation in Hawaii were lifted as the Allied victory appeared imminent. Later in 1944 and 1945, Hawaii notes saw use in other U.S. occupied areas in the Pacific and remained legal tender after the war.

Many soldiers returning home from the Pacific and North African theaters brought the unusual brown and yellow seal notes back to the mainland as souvenirs. Today, these scarce emergency issues remain important economic artifacts from World War II that serve as an enduring and tangible reminder of a time of profound crisis and world conflict. The product offered in this listing has been certified by one or more professional certification services, so you can be confident in the authenticity and stated condition.