Australia (1939-45) Internment Camps Threepence

Threepence, various grades available, stock image.

Throughout Australian Internment Camps of WWII (1939-1945) the military ordered the closing of all civilian-based canteen operations and the task was taken over by the Australian Defence Canteen Service who issued five tokens for use. The five shillings two shillings and penny denominations were struck by Australian contractors R. Arendeen & Sons Pty Ltd in Malvern Victoria, while the shilling and threepence were struck by K. G. Luke & Co. Pty Ltd in Fitzroy Victoria. These tokens were especially designed so that they could not be used outside the camp area to prevent their use in aiding the escape of any prisoners from the camp.

At the end of the war, the Commonwealth Bank set up an office and as the internee's handed over their tokens, they were given the equivalent in Australian Currency. The tokens were withdrawn by the authorities as their circulation would be a contravention of the Commonwealth Coinage Act. A number were souvenired by officials, army personnel and even prisoners and today they are eagerly sought by collectors of Australiana.