Internment Camps > Australia > WWII

Australia and New Zealand Internment Camp tokens

Internment camp tokens were issued in September 1941 for use in internment camps. They were also used in some POW camps and in camps in New Zealand.

The tokens were made of bronze except the 1 penny which is made of brass. The higher the denomination the higher the tokens rarity with the 5 shilling selling at $3,500. The tokens are rarely found without the hole in the center are are extremely scarce. It is thought that the tokens replaced the Camp Hay notes which were with drawn from circulation.

  • 3 Pence token from Australia and New Zealand Internment Camp tokens, WWII Australia (front)
    3 Pence token from Australia and New Zealand Internment Camp tokens, WWII Australia (back)
    3 Pence
  • 1 Penny token from Australia and New Zealand Internment Camp tokens, WWII Australia
    1 Penny
  • 1 Shilling token from Australia and New Zealand Internment Camp tokens, WWII Australia (front)
    1 Shilling token from Australia and New Zealand Internment Camp tokens, WWII Australia (back)
    1 Shilling
  • 2 Shillings token from Australia and New Zealand Internment Camp tokens, WWII Australia
    2 Shillings
  • 5 Shillings with and without hole token from Australia and New Zealand Internment Camp tokens, WWII Australia (front)
    5 Shillings with and without hole token from Australia and New Zealand Internment Camp tokens, WWII Australia (back)
    5 Shillings with and without hole

From the collection of Dave Frank, a leading expert on WWI and WWII camp money notes and tokens, collector since 1957 and co-author of The Complete Book of World War II USA POW & Internment Camp Chits.