During World War II, after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, America became worried about a possible invasion of the Hawaiian Islands. If the Japanese managed to conquer the islands they would have access to a large amount of cash in the banks and owned by the businesses and citizens of the territory.
$20 Hawaii Overprint Note
On this chance the American government created the Hawaiian Overprint Notes. Regular money was withdrawn from circulation on Hawaii and these overprint notes were used. If Hawaii were to fall to the Japanese the money could instantly be made worthless.
In April 1946 these notes were recalled and many were destroyed.
Works Cited
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HAWAII_Overprint_Note (accessed 17 December 2009)
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