1942 Burma ¼ Rupee Banknote – Japanese Invasion Money (Pick# 12a)
Issued during Japan’s occupation of Burma in World War II, the 1942 Quarter Rupee banknote (Pick# 12a) is a rare and historically significant example of Japanese Invasion Money (JIM). These emergency notes were introduced to replace British colonial currency and assert Japanese control over the region’s economy during wartime.
Historical Context
Following Japan’s military advance into Burma in early 1942, the Japanese government issued a series of banknotes denominated in rupees and cents to mirror the familiar British system. The ¼ Rupee note was part of this series, designed for low-value transactions among the local population. Like other JIM issues, these notes were not backed by reserves and quickly lost public trust as inflation soared and Japan’s military position weakened.
This note reflects Japan’s broader strategy across Southeast Asia, where similar currencies were issued in the Philippines, Malaya, and the Netherlands East Indies. In Burma, the rupee-denominated notes were printed in various blocks and circulated widely until Japan’s retreat in 1945.
Key Features & Specifications
Feature Description
Pick Number P-12a
Denomination ¼ Rupee
Material Paper
Issuing Authority Japanese Military Authority
Size Approx. 107 × 50 mm
Printer Likely Japanese military press
Watermark None
Security Features None
Year of Issue 1942
Reverse Blank (Uniface design)
Design Elements
Obverse: Printed in blue ink on white paper, the note features the inscription “THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT” and the denomination “¼ RUPEE.” The design is minimal, with block letters used for serial control (e.g., BO, BF, BR).
Reverse: Unprinted, typical of low-denomination emergency notes to reduce production costs and expedite circulation.
Collector’s & Educational Appeal
This ¼ Rupee note is a compelling addition to collections focused on:
WWII-era emergency currency
Japanese Invasion Money across Southeast Asia
Economic history and wartime propaganda
Its modest denomination and utilitarian design offer a powerful reminder of the economic disruption caused by military occupation and the fragility of imposed monetary systems.
