10 Pounds

Fiji's wartime currency was thrown into crisis almost immediately after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. With invasion considered a genuine possibility, the colonial administration prepared contingency plans to demonetize any notes that fell into enemy hands — large denominations like this 10 Pound were particularly exposed. The 1942 dated notes were issued under exactly that shadow, with tight controls over distribution throughout the Pacific theater.

The rotating triple-signature format across six date variants between 1942 and 1951 reflects successive changes in the colonial financial administration rather than any structural monetary reform. Bradbury Wilkinson printed the series from a single plate design across the full run — the dated signatures are the primary distinguishing feature between varieties, making precise date identification essential for accurate cataloging.

The 1942 issue is the key date for serious collectors.