JIM - Japanese Invasion Money - is another facet of the numismatic history of the Philippines during World War II. They were issued by the Japanese through the puppet government they set up in the Philippines. Most minor (centavo) JIM notes have just block letters - these are the most common, or have fractional block letters (slightly harder to find). The first issue peso notes (1, 5 and 10 Pesos) had block letters as well. The second issue peso notes (1, 5, 10 and 100 Pesos) had a block number and a serial number usually beginning with a zero. Some serial numbered notes begin with the number one. These notes were issued as replacements for damaged notes, much like American 'star' notes (although a lot harder to find!). The block number range of the notes with serial numbers is 1 - 79. On the one peso notes only, blocks 80 - 87 had no serial numbers (they were produced in haste after the Americans landed on Luzon- there were 5 print runs). These notes with just plate block numbers are much harder to find than the ones with serial numbers. Also, after the liberation of the Philippines, the Red Cross came in to help out. They obtained the many of these JIM notes, and punched 2 holes in each one. Then these hole-punched notes were distributed to the soldiers as souvenirs. These notes have no extra monetary value, but do come with a bit more of a story and can usually be found in high grades.
The notes were printed using various denomination printing plates, and then delivered packaged in bundles.
