NNP

Japan 3.5% Public Loan Certificate 100-yen, issued 1944. Tokubetsu shikin (special reward grant) seal stamped in upper right margin. Schwan-Boling 653. Joseph Boling collection.

Shikin bonds were granted by the government for services such as labor performed in public works or campaigns, as sitpends to accompany the award of military decorations, and probably for contributions of money. Certificate holders received semi-annual payments of 1.75% interest, with the principal paid over thirty years, beginning five years after issue. A portrait of Takeuchi no Sukune, a first century Japanese hero-statesman who was frequently depicted on Japanese paper money, is at right.

The vertical cartouches at the right end of each coupon show that interest was payable on 1 June and 1 December each year. The numerals in the top section are the year numbers in the Japanese calendar, in the Showa period for this bond. The next coupon to be cut would be payable on 1 June year 21 (1946).