Bidspirit auction | United States - Pair of

United States - Pair of Hawaii Overprint Notes - 5 Dollars 1934A and 1 Dollar 1935A - Pair of famous American Hawaii Overprint banknotes issued during World War II for circulation in the Hawaiian Islands following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. Due to fears of a possible Japanese invasion of Hawaii, the United States Government authorized the issuance of a special series of notes prominently overprinted with the word “HAWAII.” The purpose of the overprint was to allow the U.S. Government to quickly demonetize the currency in the event that the islands were captured by Japanese forces. Today, Hawaii Overprint notes are considered among the most historic and collectible American banknotes associated with World War II. 5 Dollars 1934A - Federal Reserve Note - Pick# 36 The note features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln - the 16th President of the United States. The reverse depicts the Lincoln Memorial with the large “HAWAII” overprint across the center. 1 Dollar 1935A - Silver Certificate - Pick# 36 The note features a portrait of George Washington - the first President of the United States. This Silver Certificate issue was redeemable in silver and carries the distinctive large “HAWAII” overprint on the reverse alongside classic American Treasury elements. The bold black “HAWAII” overprints on both sides of the notes made this series one of the most recognizable emergency currency issues in American numismatic history.