| Place | Oceania: Pacific Islands, Bismarck Archipelago, New Britain, Gazelle Peninsula, Rabaul Area, Rabaul |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELC01838 |
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Currency |
| Physical description | Paper |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Pacific Islands: Bismarck Archipelago, New Britain, Gazelle Peninsula, Rabaul Area, Rabaul |
| Date made | 1914 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Australian occupation currency : German New Guinea, 1914
Description
Un-issued paper treasury note for five marks. The word 'Cancelled' has been written over the top in pencil.
History / Summary
When the Australian Naval and Military Expeditionary Force took control of German New Guinea in September 1914 the new administration was presented with the problem of maintaining the economic stability of the colony.
The administration decided to retain the German mark as legal tender during the period of transition and, as a result of a currency shortage, had these treasury notes printed. The decision to not only retain the foreign currency, but to issue Australian banknotes in German marks was met with outrage at home.
Only a small number were released into circulation and each valid note was hand signed and dated. They were recalled early in January 1915, less than five months after they were first printed.