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.