Expert: Brad Swain - 12/1/2009

Question
Brad, I have some old bills given to me by my late uncle years ago but he never told me anything about them. I have a lot of "physically small" bills that say "The Japanese Government" worth 5, 10,and 100 pesos but no dates. The are in very good condition as they were printed on rather thick paper. I also have several old German "Reichsbanknote" bills dated 1922 and 1923. They are in amounts of 100,1000,5000,100000 and ?-millionen.They are in very poor to almost crumbling condition.I'm assuming that all the bills are basically worthless as far as "real money". But what is their worth as far as collectors are concerned? Should I even bother saving them. What is their history? And what is the story on Japanese pesos?! Are they like a joke?! Or are they real?                Thank you, David

Answer
Hi David, Collector value of a note depends on date, series letter or signature and condition, including amount of wear, any folds, tears or stains as well as collector demand.
The Pesos were occupation notes issued in 1942 by the Japanese during WWII for use in the Philippines. They are fairly common as many became souvenirs brought back by American soldiers. They may be worth about $1 each if they have any wear.
The German notes were issued during a time of hyper inflation. Most are common but I would need more info such as the denomination and date of each to be able to give a possible value.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad