5 cents 1942
About This Note
This is an uncirculated example of the Netherlands Indies 5 cents banknote issued by De Japansche Regeering in 1942 (Pick-120c), displaying excellent preservation with sharp detail throughout. The note features distinctive ornate blue decorative borders and scrollwork on a cream background, with large circular denomination markers and fine engraved line work characteristic of the Japanese occupation currency. The bilateral design—with an elaborate scrollwork front and symmetrical floral medallion reverse—showcases the careful engraving typical of this wartime issue.
Common. The 5 cents denomination was produced in substantial quantities during the 1942 Japanese occupation period. While occupation currency is of historical interest, this particular denomination and print run was not limited, recalled, or exceptionally scarce. Uncirculated examples are readily available to collectors of occupation currency and wartime issues.
This note was issued during the Japanese occupation of the Dutch East Indies (1942-1945) under the Japanese military administration. The bilingual inscriptions in Dutch and Japanese, combined with the shield-like emblem at the top center, reflect the transitional administrative control of the period. The 'De Japansche Regeering' (Japanese Government) attribution on the front directly documents the authority under which this emergency currency was issued to maintain economic function in occupied territory.
The front features a formal layout with a shield-like state emblem at the top center, surrounded by elaborate scrollwork and flourishes in blue ink. Large circular denomination markers displaying '5' are positioned in the upper left and right corners. The center contains the primary text 'DE JAPANSCHE REGERING' and 'VIJF CENTS' in serif typeface, with decorative wave patterns and a cartouche at the bottom. The reverse displays a symmetrical design dominated by a large floral or geometric medallion in the center, with the denomination '5' prominently featured within it. Scalloped borders frame the entire reverse design, with additional '5' denomination markers in all four corners. The bilateral composition and ornamental styling emphasize formality and government authority.
Front side: 'DE JAPANSCHE REGERING' (The Japanese Government), 'VIJF CENTS' (Five cents). The note also contains signature or printer marks 'EM' and 'BM', along with Japanese characters in a cartouche at the bottom center. Back side: Large Arabic numeral '5' positioned centrally within the medallion design, with additional denomination markers '5' in the corners. The Japanese characters visible suggest administrative or printer attribution marks.
Intaglio engraving (recess printing), as evidenced by the fine detailed line work, cross-hatching patterns, and crisp registration observed throughout both sides. The intricate scrollwork, scalloped borders, and geometric patterns are characteristic of high-quality security engraving typical of banknote production. The specific printer for this Pick number is likely a Japanese-controlled or Japanese security printer operating during the occupation, though documentary evidence would be needed to confirm the specific facility.
Pick-120c represents a specific cataloged variety of the 1942 5 cents issue. Varieties within this denomination may be distinguished by signature blocks (marked 'EM' and 'BM' observed on this example), printer identifications, or serial number prefixes. The 'c' designation in the Pick catalog indicates this is a third variety; without access to detailed comparative specimens, the specific distinguishing characteristics of this 'c' variety cannot be definitively stated, but signature combinations or printer marks typically differentiate such varieties.
