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.