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The 1935A Hawaii $1 Silver Certificate is one of the most historically compelling pieces of U.S. emergency currency, issued during World War II as part of a broader federal effort to secure American economic resources in the Pacific. Following the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. government recognized the vulnerability of Hawaii to possible Japanese invasion. As a precautionary measure, a special series of overprinted currency was created specifically for use in the Hawaiian Islands. These notes, including the 1935A $1 Silver Certificate, could be easily demonetized in the event of enemy capture, rendering any seized U.S. cash supply useless. In Uncirculated (UNC) condition, the note remains a highly prized collectible, cherished for both its wartime provenance and its distinctive design.
The obverse of the 1935A Hawaii $1 Silver Certificate features the familiar portrait of George Washington, a design element that has remained a mainstay on U.S. $1 notes. However, this emergency issue diverges significantly from standard silver certificates through the addition of a bold brown Treasury seal to the right of Washington's portrait, rather than the traditional blue seal used on regular 1935A series notes. The serial numbers, which flank the portrait on both sides, are also printed in brown ink, further distinguishing this note from standard silver certificates. The top of the note reads “SILVER CERTIFICATE,” and below it is the statement of legal tender: “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.” The most prominent modification on the obverse, however, is the large overprinted word “HAWAII” in capital letters across the left and right margins, placed vertically in bold black type.
The reverse of the note carries a more striking alteration. The back, otherwise identical in layout to standard 1935A $1 silver certificates—with its intricate green design and denomination inscriptions—features a large, bold overprint of the word “HAWAII” stretching horizontally across the entire central field. This measure was specifically intended to make the note instantly recognizable and distinguishable from mainland currency. Should Hawaii fall into enemy hands, these notes could be declared void and replaced, protecting the broader U.S. economy from the consequences of occupation. The rest of the design remains standard: “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arches above an ornate “ONE” at the center, with the denomination repeated in the corners. The printing of “HAWAII” in such large font ensures the reverse is unlike any other silver certificate issued during the 20th century.
The 1935A Hawaii $1 Silver Certificates were printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing under authorization from the U.S. Treasury and the War Department. These notes were issued under the authority of Executive Order 9102 and circulated only in the Hawaiian Islands from 1942 until the war's end. Each note carries the printed signatures of Treasurer W.A. Julian and Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau Jr., consistent with other 1935A series notes. The currency was printed on standard government paper and distributed by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. The entire Hawaii overprint series included denominations of $1, $5, $10, and $20, though the $1 note remains the most commonly encountered and most widely collected today.
Mintage for the 1935A Hawaii $1 Silver Certificate was relatively high compared to the other denominations in the overprint series. Approximately 35 million notes were produced and circulated, making them more accessible for collectors than their higher denomination counterparts. However, the vast majority of these notes saw extensive use throughout the war years and were eventually retired or redeemed after the war’s conclusion. As a result, notes in pristine Uncirculated condition are considerably scarcer, commanding strong premiums among collectors of World War II and emergency-issue U.S. currency. The passage of time, combined with their unique backstory, has only heightened their appeal.
A 1935A Hawaii $1 Silver Certificate in Uncirculated (UNC) condition is characterized by bright, crisp paper with no folds, creases, or handling marks. The corners are sharp and squared, and the ink remains vivid with full detail visible in both the primary design and the overprint elements. The brown seal and serial numbers are clean and sharply printed, while the “HAWAII” overprint on both sides is fully intact and dark. The reverse maintains its strong green coloration, unmarred by fading or toning. Collectors particularly seek out notes that are not only uncirculated but also well-centered and free from ink smudges, paper waves, or printing irregularities. Encapsulation and grading by a third-party service such as PMG or PCGS Currency can further confirm and preserve the note's status and value.
The historical significance of the 1935A Hawaii Silver Certificate cannot be overstated. These notes are the only U.S. paper money ever overprinted with a specific territorial designation as a wartime precaution, making them unique within American numismatics. They provide insight into the extraordinary measures taken by the U.S. government during a time of global conflict, including the intersection of military strategy and monetary policy. For collectors of military artifacts, World War II memorabilia, or paper money, the Hawaii overprints offer a tangible connection to a key chapter in 20th-century history. Their survival in pristine condition speaks to careful preservation by those who recognized their importance even during the turbulent years of their use.
The 1935A Hawaii $1 Silver Certificate also holds appeal as a display piece due to its distinctive design and immediate recognizability. Whether showcased in a personal collection or exhibited as part of a broader historical or educational display, the note’s overprints and wartime backstory make it an engaging conversation piece. It represents a rare fusion of beauty, utility, and historical gravity. As the years pass, demand for well-preserved examples continues to grow, not only for their gold-standard emergency currency status but also for their storytelling power as artifacts of American resilience during war.
In conclusion, the 1935A Hawaii $1 Silver Certificate in Uncirculated condition is a highly desirable collectible that embodies the strategic, political, and monetary responses of the United States during World War II. With its bold brown seal, unique “HAWAII” overprints, and high-grade preservation, this note is a standout piece within both silver certificate and military currency collections. Its importance extends beyond numismatics into the broader narrative of American wartime innovation and preparedness, offering collectors a rich blend of history, rarity, and visual distinction in a single, compelling piece of currency.