Hawaii Brown Seal Note Value
In 1942 the Treasury issued a special currency for Hawaii. Every note carried a brown Treasury seal, brown serial numbers, HAWAII overprinted twice on the face, and HAWAII in large block letters across the entire reverse.
The purpose was blunt: if Japan invaded the islands, the government could declare every note with that overprint worthless in a single announcement, denying the enemy a usable pile of American currency. Four denominations were issued, and all four are collectible today.
Quick facts
- Issued
- 1942 to 1944
- Denominations
- $1 (1935A), $5, $10, $20 (1934 and 1934A)
- Seal and serials
- Brown
- Overprint
- HAWAII on face and across the back
- Purpose
- Demonetizable in case of invasion
Hawaii Brown Seal Notes value by condition
| Condition | Estimated value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| $1, well worn | $30 to $60 | |
| $1, uncirculated | $150 to $450 | |
| $5, well worn | $60 to $120 | |
| $5, uncirculated | $350 to $1,200 | |
| $10, well worn | $80 to $180 | |
| $10, uncirculated | $500 to $1,800 | |
| $20, well worn | $120 to $350 | |
| $20, uncirculated | $700 to $2,500+ |
The $20 had the smallest print run of the four and is the key to the set. Star notes in any denomination are scarce and priced well above the ranges shown.
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How the program worked
After Pearl Harbor, residents of Hawaii were required to turn in ordinary US currency in exchange for the overprinted notes. Holdings above small limits were prohibited. Millions of dollars in surrendered currency were burned, some of it in a sugar mill furnace and a crematorium when the volume outgrew normal channels.
The program ran until late 1944, when the threat had passed and the notes were withdrawn. Most were destroyed, which is why survivors carry a premium despite the large original printings.
Spotting a genuine Hawaii note
A genuine Hawaii note has brown seal and brown serial numbers, not black or blue. The HAWAII overprint on the reverse is large, evenly applied, and printed as part of the production process, not stamped on afterward.
Fakes made by overprinting ordinary notes do exist. The giveaway is usually the seal and serial color: a forger can add HAWAII but cannot easily change the seal that was printed at the mill.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my dollar bill say HAWAII on the back?
It is a Second World War emergency issue from 1942. The overprint allowed the government to void the currency if Japan captured the islands.
Are Hawaii notes valuable?
Yes. Even a worn $1 brings a strong multiple of face, and uncirculated examples in the higher denominations reach four figures.
How can I tell a real Hawaii note from a fake?
Genuine notes have brown seals and brown serial numbers. If the seal is blue or green with a HAWAII overprint added, it is not a genuine emergency issue.