Pearl Harbor & Japanese Invasion Collection - Banana Note & 4 WWII Coins

The historical "Pearl Harbor & Japanese Invasion" collection features a genuine Japanese Government $10 "Banana Note" alongside four genuine U.S. coins whose compositions were dramatically changed by the demands of World War II.

This set tells the gripping story of how the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 transformed American coinage — and how Japan prepared its own currency for an invasion that never came.

The Japanese $10 "Banana Note"

Following their military advances across the Pacific, Japan issued "Invasion Notes" — currency intended to replace U.S. dollars in occupied territories following a successful invasion. Nicknamed "Banana Notes" for the banana tree imagery on the reverse, these notes were printed with the promise to pay the bearer on demand.  The invasion never succeeded, and these notes were never needed as currency — making them a haunting relic of what might have been.

WWII U.S. Coins Included

• 1941 Jefferson Nickel — The last nickel struck in its traditional copper-nickel composition before wartime metal demands forced a change.
• 1942 Silver Nickel — Struck in 35% silver after nickel was diverted for military use. Features a large mint mark above Monticello to distinguish it from pre-war nickels.
• 1943 Lincoln Steel Penny — The only U.S. steel coin ever made for circulation, struck in zinc-coated steel for one year only to save copper for the war effort.
• 1944 Shell Case Penny — Made from recycled copper shell cases gathered from battleships and battlefields, returning the penny to copper after the steel experiment.

• Total Items: 5 (1 banknote + 4 coins)
• Presented in a premium leather-style album with historical narrative
• Condition: Circulated