Auction Highlight: WWII Japanese Currency Autographed by Atomic Age Figures

Few artifacts capture the clash of war, power, and history quite like this: a rare collection of WWII Japanese Invasion Currency, each note hand-signed by members of the legendary Enola Gay crew and other key figures from the Pacific Theater. The Enola Gay, a B-29 Superfortress, was the aircraft that dropped the atomic bomb “Little Boy” on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945—an event that changed the course of world history. These notes not only reflect Japan’s wartime occupation across Asia but also bear the signatures of the men whose mission brought the Pacific conflict to its end.

Collectors seeking artifacts with layered meaning will find it here. These signed WWII Japanese Invasion notes embody the overlap of military history, occupation-era economics, and the pivotal events that reshaped the 20th century.

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

Lot 100: Fred Olivi – Bockscar Co-Pilot – Autographed WWII Japanese Invasion Currency – 5 Rupees Note

Fred Olivi autographed Japanese Invasion Money 5 Rupees note, boldly signed in ink across the upper margin. This WWII-era occupation currency was issued by the Japanese Government during their control of Burma. These Japanese-issued notes, often referred to as “banana money,” were printed by the Japanese military for use in occupied territories during World War II.

Charles Albury autographed Japanese Invasion Money 100 Rupees note, boldly signed in ink along the center: “Capt. C.W. Albury / Nagasaki Aug 9, 1945” This rare WWII-era 100 Rupees occupation note was issued by the Japanese Government during their control of Burma. These types of notes—commonly referred to as “banana money” due to the tropical imagery—were printed by the Japanese military for use in various occupied territories throughout Southeast Asia during World War II.

Lot 66: Fred Bock – “Bockscar” Namesake Pilot – Autographed WWII Japanese Invasion Currency – 5 Rupees

Fred Bock autographed Japanese Invasion Money 5 Rupees note, boldly signed in ink along at center. This WWII-era occupation currency was issued by the Japanese Government during their control of Burma. These Japanese-issued notes, often referred to as “banana money,” were printed by the Japanese military for use in occupied territories during World War 

Lot 82: Tom Ferebee – Enola Gay Bombardier – Autographed WWII Japanese Invasion Currency – 1 Rupee Note

Tom Ferebee autographed Japanese Invasion Money 1 Rupee note, boldly signed in black ink across the lower margin. This WWII-era occupation currency was issued by the Japanese Government during their control of Burma. These Japanese-issued notes, often referred to as “banana money,” were printed by the Japanese military for use in occupied territories during World War II.

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From military history to aviation memorabilia to wartime currency, these autographed Japanese Invasion notes present a rare chance to own tangible history.
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