Kōrero: Coins and banknotes

During the Second World War, the Army Department issued tokens to Japanese prisoners of war interned in a camp in Featherston, Wairarapa, so they could purchase personal goods without obtaining legal-tender currency. Most of the tokens were melted down after the war so they are very rare. This one – which was worth five shillings – is held by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.