Catalog
1 Shilling
| Issuer | Japanese Government |
|---|---|
| Year | 1942 |
| Type | Standard circulation banknote |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Size | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Printer | Log in to see details |
| Designer(s) | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT ONE SHILLING 1 府政国帝本日大1 |
| Reverse description | The reverse is printed entirely in blue, with a large numeral '1' at center within a rectangular guilloche panel, flanked by oversized bold numerals '1' at left and right within elaborate lathe-work borders. Decorative rosette ornaments appear above and below the central panel, with dense engine-turned guilloche filling the surrounding field. |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Signature(s) | Log in to see details |
| Protection type | Log in to see details |
| Protection description | Log in to see details |
| Variants | Log in to see details |
| Comments |
Japan's wartime military currency for Oceania was issued under the authority of the Japanese Government rather than any established banking institution — a deliberate administrative choice that sidestepped the formalities of colonial banking law. The 1 Shilling denomination, denominated in British currency units, was designed for use in occupied territories in the Southwest Pacific, where the existing monetary infrastructure ran on sterling.
These notes were printed in Japan and shipped forward with occupying forces, a logistical arrangement that made supply erratic. Large quantities were captured intact by Allied forces and later studied by currency intelligence units.