With increasing tensions and threat of war with the Empire of Japan, the United States was determined to keep its money out of enemy hands if its territories were invaded. This idea eventually evolved into the 'Blue Back,' a territorial currency for use during the time of crisis. The first notes were issued in fall of 1941 and would be in circulation until 1948 (other than the Kamchatka-Chukotka & Philippines notes which were withdrawn after the 1942 invasion).
Each note had a letter designation for the territory it originated. If one of these territories fell to enemy forces the related money would automatically become contraband and have no value.
A: Hawaii
B: Alaska
C: Kamchatka-Chukotka
D: Philippines
E: Guam and other Pacific possessions
Over $580 million of territorial notes were printed. Various denominations and designations made up this total, mostly for Hawaii.
By the 1980s surviving 'Blue Backs' were worth quite a bit to collectors, especially the 'C' series.
Inspiration for this post came form the OTL Hawaii overprint notes issued during World War II.
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