Collectors interested in old money probably know about the special Hawaiian currency issued by the U.S. government shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor by the Japanese in December, 1941. Residents of the Hawaiian islands initially hoarded money in case there was an invasion. However, because the U.S. feared that the Japanese would capture Hawaii, gain access to this money, and use it to fight the U.S., on Jan. 2, 1942, they made it illegal for individuals to have more than $200 in cash, and for businesses to have more than $500.

Residents were asked to turn in their cash, and it was burned. Beginning in August 1942 the only acceptable United States issued currency available for use in Hawaii were 1935A $1 silver certificates and 1934 and 1934A $5, $10, and $20 federal reserve notes from the San Francisco district. All of these notes had brown seals and serial numbers with the Hawaii overprint on the reverse.

This was considered “emergency currency” that would be worthless in the hands of the Japanese, but could be used as money in Hawaii as long as the U.S. maintained control of the islands. These bills have “Hawaii” imprinted vertically on the left side of the bill’s face, and were overprinted on the back of the note with the word “Hawaii.” The seal and serial numbers were brown rather than the usual green. This was the only currency available in Hawaii during the war. It was illegal to hold the old currency.

What bills were issued with the “Hawaii” stamp?

· The U.S. Treasury issued $1 Silver Certificates that have the series date 1935A. These are the most common. George Washington is on the bill.

· The $5.00 Hawaii notes have 1934 and 1934A series dates, with a brown seal. They can be worth more, depending on their condition and serial number. Abraham Lincoln is on each bill.

· The $10 Hawaii note was issued with the series date 1934A. Uncirculated $10.00 Hawaii bills are the rarest of the four denominations. Alexander Hamilton is featured on the front of these bills.

· Brown seal $20.00 Hawaii notes are also available in series 1934 and 1934A. These are valuable in uncirculated condition, but quite common in average condition.

How Long Were They in Circulation?

On October 21, 1944, currency restrictions were revoked and normal monetary conditions returned to that area. Most of the surviving bills are those that belonged to servicemen stationed in Hawaii.

What Are They Worth Today?

The Department of the Treasury redeems all genuine United States currency at face value only. People who wish to have their notes appraised should find a company that deals in old paper money or rare paper currency. The value of the notes depends upon their condition (with uncirculated bills worth more than those that have been in circulation), as well as series numbers, and the number issues.

The $1 Hawaii notes can be worth up to $100 in perfect condition. $5 and $10 Hawaii notes can be worth over $200 in perfect condition. There are three $20 Hawaii star notes: 1934 $20 Hawaii mule star note, 1934A $20 Hawaii star note, and 1934A $20 Hawaii mule star note. They can be worth up to $400 to $600 in perfect condition. A mule note is a small size note with mismatching plate number sizes. A star note has a star symbol at the beginning or end of the serial number, which designates that the note is a replacement because an error incurred in the printing process that made a note unfit to enter the commerce system, so it was replaced with a star note.

If you have Hawaii notes or any other rare currency, or wish to purchase it, the best thing to do is go online and compare the values listed by various companies that deal in rare money. You can also look on eBay to see what sellers’ asking prices are. Most importantly, if you are interested in selling it, find a reputable currency dealer who deals in rare paper currency.

Source by Manning Garrett