PT-109 Collision Commemorative Two-Dollar Bill Signed & Illustrated by Amagiri Commander Katsumori Yamashiro — JSA Certified

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Description:

Unique Series 1976 United States two-dollar bill, transformed into a personalized commemorative piece marking the historic PT-109 incident. The bill features six affixed U.S. postage stamps from the “Roots of Democracy” series (1¢, 2¢, 3¢, and 4¢ denominations), alongside additional Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine stamps. Each is postmarked “Saint Louis, Dec 1, First Day of Issue.”

In a remarkable handwritten inscription, Katsumori Yamashiro (1900–1986), the Japanese naval officer who served as Senior Officer aboard the destroyer Amagiri, reflects on the collision with John F. Kennedy's PT-109, writing:

"The United States roots of democracy with the veterans stamps should pay tribute to Lt. F. Kennedy and the PT 109 which was sunk by accident by the Amagiri. Capt. K. Yamashiro, Cmdr. Amagiri."

Adding to its historical significance, Yamashiro has also included a hand-drawn sketch illustrating the exact moment of the collision, depicting the Amagiri ramming PT-109 in Blackett Strait, under the heading:

"Aug. 2, 1943, Blackett Strait."

The sketch offers a rare, firsthand visual account of the incident from the Japanese perspective, making this artifact exceptionally unique. Overall condition is fine, with the inscription and sketch exhibiting moderate-to-poor contrast against the ornate engraving of the bill’s background. Comes with a full letter of authenticity from JSA (James Spence Authentication).

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Historical Context:

On August 2, 1943, in the darkness of Blackett Strait, Solomon Islands, the Japanese destroyer Amagiri accidentally rammed the American patrol torpedo boat PT-109, commanded by future U.S. President John F. Kennedy. The collision sheared PT-109 in half, killing two crew members and setting the stage for Kennedy's legendary leadership in rescuing his surviving crew.

At the time, Katsumori Yamashiro was the Senior Officer aboard Amagiri. His later reflections acknowledged that the ramming of PT-109 was an accident, as the small American boat was nearly invisible in the night sea.

The incident became an iconic chapter in World War II naval history and played a significant role in shaping Kennedy's public image as a war hero and future leader.

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Authentication & Encapsulation:

• Full Letter of Authenticity from JSA.

• Bold signature and personal inscription by Capt. Katsumori Yamashiro, with original hand-drawn sketch of the PT-109 collision.

• Series 1976 $2 Federal Reserve Note with “Roots of Democracy” thematic postage stamps and First Day of Issue cancellations.

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Closing Appeal:

This commemorative two-dollar bill offers a rare, dual-perspective artifact—combining American patriotic symbolism with a firsthand Japanese account of a pivotal wartime encounter. Yamashiro’s personal inscription and hand-drawn sketch of the Amagiri colliding with PT-109 create a powerful historical narrative, certified by JSA, and make this an exceptional addition to collections of World War II memorabilia, presidential history, and naval ephemera.

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