World War 2 Coins: Collectibles with Stories to Tell

Every coin has a story, but coins from World War II hold tragedies, revelations, hope, and faith in their metal frames. This period was tough for everyone, and the reflections from the 1940s can be found all over the world, be it of a didactic or commemorative nature. 

Coins, the tiniest yet pretty loud witnesses of the war demonstrate the struggles and resilience, lives and deaths, and power of a global conflict. But which collectibles to use so as to create a World War 2 coin collection? Let us together explore the most indicative instances of the period, check coin value, and pay tribute to the saviors of our history. 

How World War II Shaped Global Coinage

World War II II, filled with resource shortages, economic strain, and the need for propaganda, changed the world for good. As a result of the diversion of metals like copper, nickel, and silver to the military effort, nations were forced to use substitute resources. In 1943, for instance, the United States had to produce pennies of steel, while Japan and Nazi-occupied areas utilized zinc and aluminum for their currency. 

It would not be exhaustive enough if we did not mention the concept of propaganda (which also utilized numismatics as their tool). To consolidate the power of its rule, Nazi Germany produced units of currency with imperial eagles and swastikas. Allied countries, on the other hand, employed their designs to evoke optimism. 

For example, Canada's "V for Victory" nickel featured a secret Morse code message. Instances produced in occupied regions, like Southeast Asia under Japanese rule, were infused with symbols of imperial control and robbed of their indigenous identity. Each national WW2 coin collection is different, so let us briefly explore the most notable examples below. 

Related article: Civil War Coins.

Key Types of WW2 Coins to Collect

WW2 coins represent a fascinating and diverse numismatic field with instances referring to various types and backgrounds that shape them. Below are the main categories of WW2 coins that one may find captivating to obtain.

Emergency Coinage

During World War II, many countries were compelled to give up traditional coin metals like copper, nickel, and silver due to the wartime demand for these vital resources. Instead, they employed substitute elements like zinc, steel, and aluminum, and this formed a niche of coins that are notable for their distinctive compositions. 

Notable Example: 1943 Steel Penny (United States), which looked like a traditional penny minted before, yet these were silver in color, light in weight, and magnetic. 

Value: Uncirculated pieces trade for $10–$50, while circulated examples are worth approximately $0.10–$1 only. Rare varieties with errors, though, may command higher prices ($100,000 or more).  

Propaganda Coins

At the time of the conflict, WW2 silver coins developed into an effective tool for governments to establish control and disseminate political ideas. While Allied states utilized coinage to promote unity and resistance, Axis powers, i.e., Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, minted coins with designs that supported their regimes. 

Notable Example: 1939–1945 Nazi Germany 5 Reichsmark, which has an image of President Paul von Hindenburg on the reverse and an eagle holding a swastika on the obverse side.

Value: Typical examples are valued at $50 to $300.

Occupation Coins

In order to establish authority and incorporate the occupied economy into their regimes, invading troops regularly substituted their own coins for local ones during World War II. These instances were typically made to represent the occupier's authority and were devoid of any national emblems in the end.  

Notable Example: 1942 Netherlands 10 Cents (Minted Under German Occupation), which illustrated the erosion of Dutch national identity during the occupation as well as the economic limitations.  

Value: In general, these World War II coins are worth $5-20.  

Allied Wartime Coins 

In the 1940s, currency was a tool utilized by the Allies to promote unity and raise morale. These coins served as metaphorical objects of hope in the face of adversity since their designs commonly highlighted triumph or patriotism.  

Notable Example: 1943 “V for Victory” Nickel (Canada), which displayed the bold "V" for victory and the Morse code message that translates to “We win when we work willingly”. 

Value: Uncirculated coins may sell for $50 or more, whereas circulated examples are appraised at $2–$5.  

Japanese-Occupied Territories

The Japanese imposed their own currencies on areas they controlled, including the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia. These were referred to as "banana money" because they were often composed of inferior materials and lacked durability at all.  

Notable Example: No coins officially issued by the Japanese. Yet, it is an interesting fact worth mentioning. 

Limited Wartime Mintage Coins

For several coins, production quantities were reduced as a result of shifting minting operations and disrupted economies. What is obvious, they are desirable and highly prized for their scarcity.

Notable Example: 1941 Soviet 5 Kopecks, which were minted during the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War. They display the Soviet emblem with a hammer and sickle.

Value: Prices vary from $50 to $500 or more based on rarity and condition. 

How to Identify and Authenticate WW2 Coins

So as to successfully create a fine World War II coin collection, it is vital to follow several rules and never waste money and time on items without financial and/or aesthetic value. Nevertheless, the most essential part is to do what you love and collect what you would like to own. Anyway, this is what you might want to do: 

1. Examine Physical Characteristics 

Examine the coin's physical characteristics closely, including weight (authentic coins have specific weights), diameter, and design details (this refers to distinctive elements that are typical of wartime issues).

2. Use Digital Tools

Employ technologies to improve your authentication procedure. One great example is the Coin ID Scanner app which may allow one to scan coins via the camera on the smartphone and study encyclopedic information right away. 

3. Seek Professional Authentication

Finally, consult reputable grading services like the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) if you have any doubts regarding the validity of a coin. For an accurate estimation of the price, these organizations can offer professional certificates and other documents, too.

You can also try to read the best coin collecting books to get more numismatic tips and details.

4. Beware of Replicas

Be cautious of replicas or counterfeits, especially those that are offered at reduced costs. Always acquire coins from WW2 from reputable sellers or well-known auction houses that guarantee authenticity.

Honor your past, treasure your present, and share it with the future. This is the essence of numismatics.

Sources: 

1. https://www.pcgs.com/ 

2. https://www.amazon.com/ww2-coins/s?k=ww2+coins