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Japanese Occupation Currency in the Philippines (1942–1945)

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Home / Philippine Currency Timeline / Japanese Occupation Currency (1941–1945)

 PHILIPPINE CURRENCy TIMELINE
 

Japanese Occupation Currency (1941–1945)

The outbreak of World War II brought major changes to Philippine currency. Commonwealth money was replaced by Japanese-issued occupation currency.

Known as Japanese Invasion Money (JIM), this fiat currency quickly lost value due to inflation, earning the nickname “Mickey Mouse money.”

“From enforced wartime currency to rapid inflation—discover how occupation money reshaped Philippine commerce.”



Key Developments at a Glance

 

Key changes that defined wartime Philippine currency.

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  • Fiat currency issued by Japanese military.

  • Rapid inflation → high denomination notes.

  • Widely distrusted by population



Why This Matters for Collectors

 

Understanding this period helps collectors identify wartime issues and their historical significance.

Collector Insight

Japanese Invasion Money is widely collected for its historical significance, especially high-denomination notes.

Philippine Japanese Invasion Money 1942 Series

yaman ng pilipinas



Explore Occupation Banknotes and Medals

 

Discover the banknotes and medals issued during the Japanese occupation.

Japanese Invasion Mone - Philippines

Explore the banknotes issued by the Japanese military administration, including the different wartime series and denominations produced during the occupation (1942-1945).
 

Japanese Occupation Medals - Philippines

Discover commemorative medals issued by the Japanese military during World War II to mark campaigns and victories during the occupation of the Philippines (1941-1942).


 
Other Wartime Currency in the Philippines

 

Emergency and guerrilla notes circulated outside Japanese control, forming a parallel wartime system.

Philippine Emergency Currency during WW2


Emergency and Guerrilla Currency (WWII)
 

Learn about the emergency banknotes issued by local governments, guerrilla groups, and banks to counter the occupation currency and support the underground wartime economy.
 

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