Quick Answer: Hawaii overprint notes — WWII emergency bills with brown seals and "HAWAII" printed on both sides — are worth well above face value. A circulated $1 Hawaii note typically brings $25–$75, uncirculated examples $150–$300+, and higher denominations ($5–$20), star notes, and certified high grades can reach several hundred to several thousand dollars.
These are among the most story-rich US notes you can find in an inherited collection. Here's what they are and what they're worth.
Why "HAWAII" Is Printed on These Bills
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, the US government worried that an invasion of Hawaii would hand Japan millions in usable US currency. The solution, first issued in June 1942: special notes for the islands that could be instantly demonetized if captured.
Four notes were issued:
- $1 — Series 1935A silver certificate (normally blue seal, printed with brown seal)
- $5, $10, $20 — Series 1934/1934A Federal Reserve Notes from the San Francisco district
Each has small "HAWAII" overprints on the face and large outlined HAWAII letters dominating the back, plus brown seals and serial numbers. Regular currency was recalled in the islands; for a period, these were essentially the only bills legal to hold in Hawaii.
Hawaii Overprint Note Values
Qualified ranges from recent dealer and auction pricing. Condition dominates — see how to grade paper money.
| Note | Circulated | Uncirculated |
|---|---|---|
| $1 (1935A silver certificate) | $25–$75 | $150–$300+ |
| $5 (1934/1934A FRN) | $50–$200 | $400–$1,500+ |
| $10 (1934A FRN) | $40–$150 | $300–$1,200+ |
| $20 (1934/1934A FRN) | $50–$200 | $500–$2,000+ |
| Star notes (any denomination) | Strong premium — often 2–5x | Four figures common |
Scarce serial-number blocks (collectors track the letter combinations) and certified gems push well beyond these ranges. As always with old currency, exceptional certified examples at auction are outliers — price your note against comparable grades, not record headlines.
What to Check on Your Hawaii Note
- Seal color. Genuine Hawaii notes have brown seals and serials. A blue-seal 1935A with "HAWAII" added is an alteration.
- Series. $1 notes should read Series 1935A; $5/$10/$20 should be 1934 or 1934A San Francisco notes.
- Star notes. A star in the serial number marks a replacement note — much scarcer on Hawaii issues. Background: what is a star note?
- Condition. Most Hawaii notes saw hard wartime use. Honest Very Fine notes are collectible; true uncirculated examples are where prices jump.
- Fancy serials. Rare, but a fancy serial number on a Hawaii note is a serious multiplier.
Related WWII emergency issue: the North Africa notes — silver certificates with yellow seals issued for troops in the Mediterranean. We cover them in the 1935 silver certificate guide and 1934 silver certificate guide.
Identify Your Note with CashScan
Hawaii overprints are distinctive, but series letters, districts, and note types still trip people up:
- Scan the bill with CashScan
- The app identifies the series, type, and denomination in seconds
- Review the historical context — including the WWII emergency issue story
- Save it to your collection history alongside your other scans
Then verify the seal color and serial details yourself, and consider third-party grading for anything uncirculated or better.
Selling a Hawaii Overprint Note
There's consistent demand for these notes — WWII history gives them appeal beyond currency collectors. Worn $1 notes sell easily to dealers and on eBay; $5–$20 notes, stars, and high grades justify getting multiple offers or consigning to a currency auction. Our guide on where to sell old paper money compares the options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Hawaii overprint note?
A 1942 WWII emergency issue for Hawaii with brown seals and HAWAII overprints, designed to be demonetized if the islands were captured.
How much is a Hawaii $1 bill worth?
Roughly $25–$75 circulated and $150–$300+ uncirculated, with certified high grades bringing more.
Which Hawaii notes are most valuable?
Higher denominations, star notes, scarce blocks, and gem certified examples.
How do I know my Hawaii note is genuine?
Brown seal and serials, correct series, and consistent overprint printing — authenticate valuable examples professionally.
The Bottom Line
Every genuine Hawaii overprint note is worth keeping out of circulation. They combine a dramatic piece of WWII history with solid collector demand, and even worn examples carry real premiums. Scan yours with CashScan to confirm the series, then grade it honestly before you decide whether to hold, grade, or sell.
Related guides: 1935 Silver Certificate Value · Old $20 Bills Worth Money · How Much Is My Old Money Worth?
Download CashScan free on the App Store to identify any bill instantly.
