Australia 1945 One Pound War Savings Certificate
Tax included.
Between 1940 and 1945, Australians purchased War Savings Certificates to help fund WWII, effectively lending the government money. Available in denominations from £1 to £50, they sold below face value and matured in seven years. Despite wartime hardship, over 3.8 million applications raised £1.16 billion. The government promoted the scheme with posters, parades, and public displays. With taxes rising and rationing in place, this mass financial effort was key to covering the war’s £2 billion cost.