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The 1935A Hawaii $1 Silver Certificate in Extra Fine to About Uncirculated (XF-AU) condition is a fascinating and historically significant piece of U.S. paper currency issued during World War II. Its unique overprint, regional usage, and purpose reflect a moment of national urgency and strategic preparation in the face of wartime uncertainty. Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the U.S. government took swift and unprecedented measures to ensure that, in the event of a successful enemy invasion of Hawaii, U.S. currency circulating there could be quickly demonetized and rendered worthless to the enemy. As a result, the Treasury Department authorized the printing of special notes with bold overprints that identified them exclusively for use in the Territory of Hawaii.
The issuance of these Hawaii overprint notes began in June 1942 and included several denominations: $1, $5, $10, and $20 silver certificates. The $1 denomination, based on the 1935A series silver certificate, was the most common and widely used note in everyday transactions in the islands. These notes were printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) in Washington, D.C., and then shipped to Hawaii for controlled distribution. Civilian currency was withdrawn and replaced by these new overprint notes, with residents of Hawaii limited to possessing no more than $200 in currency at any time. This drastic move was part of the broader effort to safeguard the U.S. economy and military resources in the Pacific theater.
The design of the 1935A Hawaii $1 Silver Certificate closely resembles that of the regular 1935A series but with key distinguishing features that immediately mark it as part of the Hawaii emergency issue. The obverse retains the familiar portrait of George Washington in the center, originally engraved by Charles Burt and a constant feature on U.S. $1 notes since the 1869 series. The note’s basic color scheme of black ink on white paper with blue Treasury seals remains intact, but with two immediately noticeable additions: the word “HAWAII” is overprinted in bold, dark brown letters on both the left and right margins of the front, flanking Washington’s portrait. Additionally, the Treasury seal and serial numbers are printed in a distinctive brown rather than the traditional blue, further emphasizing its special status.
The reverse of the note showcases the most dramatic design element unique to the Hawaii issue—a large, all-cap “HAWAII” overprint stretching horizontally across the center of the green back. This prominent mark served as a clear visual indicator to distinguish the note from standard U.S. currency. If Hawaii were to fall into enemy hands, the government could declare all Hawaii-overprinted currency null and void, thus rendering any captured cash useless. This design decision underscores the tactical considerations behind the note’s creation and illustrates how even currency could be adapted for national security during wartime.
The 1935A series itself is part of the long-running and widely issued small-size silver certificates that began in 1928. These notes were redeemable in silver on demand, a promise printed on their face: “This certifies that there is on deposit in the Treasury of the United States of America One Dollar in silver payable to the bearer on demand.” Although the silver redemption policy would be eliminated in the 1960s, it was still in full effect at the time of the Hawaii notes’ issuance, giving these bills both symbolic and real economic value. The Hawaii overprint silver certificates are the only instances where such an emergency regional overprint was authorized for wide circulation in the United States.
The total number of $1 Hawaii notes printed is estimated to have been over 35 million, making them the most abundant denomination of the emergency issue. However, far fewer survive today in high grades, as most were circulated extensively throughout the islands during the war. Many were discarded, worn out, or later destroyed after their withdrawal in 1946 when standard currency was once again allowed in Hawaii. Surviving notes in XF to AU condition are thus relatively scarce and highly collectible, valued both for their state of preservation and their connection to a pivotal moment in American history.
The condition of this particular 1935A Hawaii $1 Silver Certificate falls between Extra Fine and About Uncirculated, a highly desirable range for collectors seeking quality without the cost of a Gem Uncirculated note. In this condition, the note exhibits strong eye appeal with firm paper, minimal signs of wear, and no major folds or tears. There may be one or two light horizontal or vertical folds that keep it from reaching full uncirculated status, but the note retains most of its original crispness and luster. The brown overprints remain bold and well-centered, and both the obverse and reverse show excellent color contrast with clear printing and no significant staining or damage.
The margins on a note of this quality are generally even and free from handling marks, and the corners may be just slightly rounded from light circulation. The paper surface is clean, without significant soiling or creases, and all design elements—from the fine portrait engraving to the large "HAWAII" overprint on the back—are clearly defined and unmarred. The serial numbers are complete and bright, and the note shows no signs of ink bleeding or smudging, common flaws in lower-grade examples. Overall, this XF-AU Hawaii $1 Silver Certificate offers collectors a superb balance between affordability and condition, allowing them to own a strong example of a wartime emergency issue without the premium attached to strictly uncirculated specimens.
Collecting Hawaii overprint notes has long been popular among both World War II enthusiasts and numismatists, owing to the notes' distinctive design, strategic importance, and compelling backstory. They are often included in themed collections focusing on wartime finance, emergency currency issues, or regional paper money. The $1 denomination, being the most accessible, is often the first acquired by new collectors in the field. Notes in XF-AU condition appeal to a wide spectrum of buyers, from casual collectors to seasoned investors looking to build a historically significant portfolio with visually attractive specimens.
The 1935A Hawaii $1 Silver Certificate XF-AU stands as a poignant reminder of a critical period in American history when every detail, even currency, had to be considered through the lens of war. It encapsulates not just monetary history, but also national resilience, tactical ingenuity, and the mobilization of all resources to defend American soil. Its survival in such a well-preserved state is a testament to the careful stewardship of past owners, and it continues to offer collectors a meaningful and tangible connection to the events and emotions of the Second World War. As such, it remains one of the most compelling and historically rich small-size silver certificates issued by the United States.