A one-shilling note of the
Japanese government-issued Oceanian Pound. This currency was issued during
World War II by the
Empire of Japan to replace local hard currencies in occupied
Oceania, consisting of
Guam,
Gilbert and Ellice Islands,
Caroline Islands,
Marianas Islands,
Solomon Islands,
Palau, and the now-defunct
Territory of New Guinea. Notes were printed before invasion and intended to circulate in multiple areas that were to be absorbed into the
Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. They include the title "The Japanese Government" and a "serial number" consisting of an "O" (indicating issue for Oceania) and a printing batch identifier. After the war, they could be exchanged for
United States dollars or
Australian pounds.
Other notes: half-shilling, 10 shillings, 1 poundBanknote: Empire of Japan (image courtesy of the National Numismatic Collection, National Museum of American History)
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