Philippines WWII 1944 1 Peso "VICTORY" Treasury Certificate

• Issuing Authority: Commonwealth of the Philippines / United States of America

• Denomination: One Peso (₱1.00)

• Series / Authorization: VICTORY Series No. 66

• Catalog Reference: Pick # 94

• Serial Number: F02961736 (Black typography)

• Portrait: Apolinario Mabini (First Prime Minister of the Philippines and revolutionary thinker)

• Signatures (Printed Facsimiles):

  • Sergio Osmeña (President)

  • Jaime Hernandez (Auditor General)

• Seal: Blue circular Commonwealth of the Philippines Treasury Seal (featuring the American bald eagle and coat of arms)

• Reverse Overprint: Bold black open-face typography reading VICTORY across the orange intaglio scrollwork

• Printer: United States Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), Washington, D.C.

Historical Context

• Prepared by the United States Bureau of Engraving and Printing in secret during 1944 in anticipation of the Allied liberation of the Philippine archipelago.

• These notes were carried ashore by General Douglas MacArthur’s landing forces during the invasion of Leyte in October 1944.

• Issued to replace the hyperinflated and rapidly depreciating Japanese Military Occupation Money ("Mickey Mouse" currency), the VICTORY Series 66 notes successfully stabilized the local civilian economy and remained legal tender until the establishment of the Central Bank of the Philippines.