Pages > :

About

I have had a passion for numismatics since 1957 when I was nine years old. Like most beginning numismatists, I began collecting United States coins, later adding world coins and banknotes to my collection. In the ensuing years I began studying the history of the World Wars, and my main focus then shifted to collecting rare world and military notes, especially those pertaining to World War II Concentration Camps and Ghettos. Later my interest extended to money in POW, Internment and Displaced Persons camps including those of World War I. Finding very little information or research in this area, it excited me to study and expand my knowledge of the subject and discover previously unknown scrip. After retiring from dentistry in 2017, I had more time to pursue my interest in this fascinating hobby. I wrote my first book in collaboration with David Seelye, “The Complete Book of World War II USA POW and Internment Camp Chits”. I have been able to travel domestically and internationally to coin and paper money shows, acquiring new “finds” and meeting other collectors from all over the world who share my passion. In addition, this has afforded me the opportunity to actually explore some of the camps in person, research their history more in depth and learn how they operated. My intention is this site will provide an outlet for me to share my knowledge, discuss findings and connect with other collectors to expand research and knowledge of the subject from this increasingly pertinent time in history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Curious about something that isn’t covered here? Just ask!

Who designed the notes?

Some of the more artistic notes were designed by artists in the camps like Petr Kien who did the Theresienstadt issues or George A. Teltscher who designed the Camp Hay notes. These are two of the most beautiful of the camp notes. Generally, the better the design the more likely an artist, designer or engraver prepared the notes.

Who was responsible for printing the notes?

It all depends on the country. The US used many private printing companies for the chits used in the camps. The camp could negotiate with the various companies. Some notes were printed by government agencies or relief organizations, and some were actually printed in the camp itself by the occupants.

Why do they give prisoners of war money?

In the allied camps there were many items that they could buy with the money such as candy, cigarettes, stationery, toothpaste, beer, watches and many other personal items. In the axis camps there was little for the POWs to buy. Most report using the money in card games like poker chips.

Is any of the camp money on the site for sale?

No, the camp money on the site is not available at this time.

How do you find camp money to collect?

Some of the camp money has come from survivors or the family of survivors of the camp. Coin and paper money dealers at shows will occasionally have some for sale. Auctions are now the best way to look for camp money, particularly those in Europe.