1942 Burma 1 Cent Banknote – Japanese Invasion Money (Pick# 9b)
Issued during the Japanese occupation of Burma in World War II, the 1942 1 Cent banknote (Pick# 9b) is a rare and historically significant example of Japanese Invasion Money (JIM). These notes were introduced by the Japanese Military Authority to replace local currencies in occupied territories, serving both as a tool of economic control and wartime propaganda.
Historical Context
Following Japan’s invasion of Burma in early 1942, the Japanese government issued a new series of currency to facilitate transactions and assert dominance over the region. The 1 Cent note was part of this emergency issue, designed for everyday use by the local population under occupation. These notes were not backed by reserves and quickly lost value, especially as the war turned against Japan.
The issuance of JIM in Burma was part of a broader strategy across Southeast Asia, where similar notes were introduced in the Philippines, Malaya, and the Netherlands East Indies. In Burma, the notes were denominated in cents and rupees to mirror the pre-existing British colonial system.
Key Features & Specifications
Feature Description
Pick Number P-9b
Denomination 1 Cent
Material Paper
Issuing Authority Japanese Government (Military Authority)
Size Approx. 95 × 45 mm
Printer Unknown (likely Japanese military press)
Watermark None
Security Features None
Year of Issue 1942
Reverse Blank (Uniface design)
Design Elements
Obverse: Printed via lithography in red and light blue ink, the note features the inscription “The Japanese Government” and the denomination “1 Cent.” The design is simple and utilitarian, with fractional block letters (e.g., B/CO) used for serial control.
Reverse: Completely blank, a cost-saving measure typical of low-denomination emergency notes.
Collector’s & Educational Appeal
This 1 Cent note is a compelling artifact for:
Collectors of WWII-era currency and Japanese Invasion Money
Historians studying Southeast Asian occupation and wartime economies
Educational exhibits on propaganda, inflation, and colonial resistance
Despite its modest face value, the note represents a powerful story of occupation, resistance, and the fragility of imposed monetary systems.
