Atomic Legacy: WWII Japanese Invasion Currency Signed by Enola Gay & Atomic Bomb Figures – Headed to Auction August 5th

Among the standout highlights in our highly anticipated Frontiers of Flight auction is a rare and historic collection of WWII Japanese Invasion Currency, each note hand-signed by key members of the legendary Enola Gay crew and other pivotal aviation figures from the Pacific Theater. The Enola Gay was a B-29 Superfortress bomber that was famously used by the United States to drop the atomic bomb "Little Boy" on Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 1945. These historic pieces of WWII-era occupation currency not only reflect Japan’s expansionist campaign across Asia but also bear the autographs of the men who helped bring the war to an end.

For collectors of WWII memorabilia, aviation history, or signed currency, these lots offer an extraordinary opportunity to own artifacts that bridge monetary policy, wartime propaganda, and the legacy of the atomic age.

What Is Japanese Invasion Money?

Japanese Invasion Money (JIM) refers to currency issued by the Japanese government during World War II for use in territories they occupied, including Burma, the Philippines, Malaya, Singapore, and the Dutch East Indies. Often marked with phrases like "The Japanese Government", these notes were meant to replace local currencies and establish economic control over conquered regions.

While once a symbol of occupation, these notes now serve as powerful relics of wartime propaganda and regional resistance. They’re even more desirable when signed by key Allied figures—especially those tied to the pivotal missions that ended the war in the Pacific.

Collectible Value of Japanese Invasion Currency

Collectors value Japanese Invasion Money not only for its exotic design and rarity, but also for its narrative power. When signed by members of the Enola Gay and other Pacific mission crews, these pieces become layered artifacts of WWII aviation, economics, and geopolitics. Each note bridges the story of occupation with the Allied counteroffensive—economic propaganda turned into collectible testimony.

WWII Japanese Invasion Money Signed by Enola Gay Crew – Rare Autographed Currency

Paul Tibbets – Enola Gay Pilot – Autographed WWII Japanese Invasion Currency – 100 Rupees Note

Paul Tibbets autographed Japanese Invasion Money 100 Rupees note, signed in blue ink across the top margin. This WWII-era occupation currency was issued by the Japanese Government during their control of Burma.

Thomas Ferebee – Enola Gay Bombardier – Autographed WWII Japanese Invasion Currency – 5 Rupees Note

Thomas Ferebee autographed Japanese Invasion Money 5 Rupees note, signed in blue ink with his rank, “Col. USAF Ret.” This WWII-era occupation currency was issued by the Japanese Government during their control of Burma.

Theodore Van Kirk – Enola Gay Navigator – Autographed WWII Japanese Currency – 100 Rupees Note

Theodore “Dutch” Van Kirk autographed Japanese Invasion Money 100 Rupees note, signed in blue ink across the top margin. This WWII-era occupation currency was issued by the Japanese Government during their control of Burma.



George R. Caron – Enola Gay Tail Gunner – Autographed WWII Japanese Invasion Currency – 1 Rupee Note

George R. Caron autographed Japanese Invasion Money 1 Rupee note, signed in blue ink across the top margin. This WWII-era occupation currency was issued by the Japanese Government during their control of Burma.





Richard Nelson – Enola Gay Radio Operator – Autographed WWII Japanese Currency – 50 Centavos Note

Richard H. Nelson autographed Japanese Invasion Money 50 Centavos note, signed in black ink with the inscription “Radio / Enola Gay.” This WWII-era occupation currency was issued by the Japanese Government for use in the Philippines.




Charles Sweeney – Nagasaki Mission Pilot – Autographed WWII Japanese Currency – 50 Centavos Note

Charles Sweeney autographed Japanese Invasion Money 50 Centavos note, signed in black ink across the upper margin. This WWII-era occupation currency was issued by the Japanese Government for use in the Philippines.