Hey all you crazy paper money collectors , I've got a quick question. I'm interested in starting up a little paper money collection based around World War 2 notes (Both U.S and foreign). I've got a pretty general knowledge of the U.S notes, but I'm totally lost with foreign ones. So my question is, what reference books would you recommend? I've found this book and it looks pretty good http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0931960401/atsnoteworlbankp anyone ever used it before, or are there any better books out there? Thanks in advance for the help guys! -Mike
Yes, this book is THE AUTHORITY on the subject and I have my copy right in front of me right now as matter of fact. The cons of the book is that it is 15 years old so prices are not correct, it is tough to decipher the cataloging system and find what it is you are looking for and it is in black and white (but most are). The pro is that it is the best compilation of WW2 artifacts available period. If you are starting a WW2 collection this is the best way to start. I have been collecting WW2 for a number of years and I have a very large collection and just recently started cataloging it online: http://r3.myphotos.cc/ww2-study/index.html
WWII Remembered is the seminal work on WWII numismatics. As WED stated, it does have some drawbacks including organization but use the index and you should be fine. A second edition has been anticipated for a few years. In fact, a draft was disseminated at the MPCFest in 2006 but no publication date has been set. I know both of the authors and they have good intentions but are also overwhelmed with other projects. The pricing is off in many ways. Some items have gone up. Some have gone down. If you talk to the authors long enough they will admit that they had to stab i the dark on prices for many of the more esoteric items. While many are scarce, there may be no serious demand. Remember, though, this book is still a general survey, even if it is a specialized topic. There are more specialized catalogs such as the MPC catalog, Theo Van Elmpt's book on British Military Authority notes, there is also a catalogue of Japanese issues from WWII in both English and Japanese that is exhaustive on that topic.
Thanks for the info guys! So I'm guessing WW2 remembered plus the standard catalog of world paper money should be good.
The Standard Catalog does not contain listings for the specialized notes from WWII like POW notes. It will only have the notes for general use. Lance Campbell's book on POW currency would be another recommended volume.
there is a 3 volume set put out by some members of the IBNS. Go to www.theibns.org, and on the left, click 'buy IBNS publications', a bit down the page it says I am still looking for a way to obtain my volume 1
The Japanese Numismatic Dealers Association catalog has a 28-page section on "Military Notes", and another 8 pages relating to occupation money, both for the US Military in Japan, and the Japanese military in other countries. Although it's in Japanese, the illustrations are excellent, and there is enough English captioning to allow a general understanding.
here is a site i found that lists alot of JIM notes. a very nice refferance with pick numbers too boot
I have a photocopy of a book that is on Japanese and English that is excellent. Unfortunately, the title page is not included and there is no reference to the author. I know it was done after 1995 because it references World War II Remembered. It has great background but no pricing information.
