Pearl Harbor Coin Collection and Japanese Invasion Note 1941-1944

Pearl Harbor Coin Collection and Japanese Invasion Note 1941-1944

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, was the event that forced the U.S. to join World War II. U.S. currency changed in response to the military demands for metals such as copper and nickel. The 1941 Jefferson Nickel was issued more than 70 years ago in the year of the Pearl Harbor attack. Starting in 1942, the Nickel was struck in 35% silver to save nickel for the war effort. These are the only silver Nickels in history, and the short-lived silver coins are identified by a large mint mark on the reverse. In 1943, the Penny was made in steel instead of copper.

This one-year-only coin is the only U.S. steel coin. In 1944, Pennies were made with recycled copper from shell cases recovered from battlefields and ships. Also included is a $10 Japanese Invasion Note that the Japanese planned to use in the U.S. in place of U.S. currency following a successful invasion – but fortunately it was never