Faced with severe hoarding of coinage during the Civil War, the Federal government was forced to issue small change paper money, known as "Fractional Currency" to alleviate the situation. Several different series of notes were issued between 1862 and 1876, all in denominations less than one dollar.
From the first issue of Postage Currency, so named because of the postage stamp designs, to the odd 3 Cent note (issued because the cost to mail a letter was 3c) and the unusual 15 Cent note, Fractional Currency is a fascinating and affordable way to collect early U.S. paper money. This field has enjoyed great popularity in recent years and continues to amaze generations of collectors.
Plain Edges. With Monogram. A bright note with a fresh appearance and well centered on both sides.
Fiber paper with surcharges '18-63 & T-1'. A bright and fresh appearance. Very scarce and desirable.
Green Reverse. Rich color, bright paper, and great borders provide excellent eye appeal.
A vignette of Ms. Liberty with strong color and premium paper.
Short, Thick Key. Portrait of William Meredith, Secretary of the Treasury. Very well balanced margins with great color, bright paper, and plenty of security threads.
Unwatermarked. Pink Fibers. Light even wear and solid for the grade. The 'key' variety in the type.
Without Surcharges on Back. A pleasing example that exhibits strong color with a little black over inking. Bronzing appears fresh and premium paper is bright.
Red Reverse. A lovely note with strong color, premium paper, and well balanced margins on both sides.
Portrait of William Fessenden, Secretary of the Treasury under Lincoln. Very attractive with nice bronzing, strong color, and bright premium paper.
Light Background. Nicely balanced margins, strong color, and bright premium paper.
Straight Edges. With Monogram. An attractive example with strong color and bright paper.
Straight Edges. With Monogram. An attractive example with nice borders, vibrant color and premium paper.
Red Back. "1" on Front. Fully margined with bright premium paper, strong color, and nice bronzing.
Green Back. "a" on Front. A premium note that displays strong color and bronzing. The paper is bright and margins are full.
Justice. A pleasing note with strong inks, bright paper, and solid bronzing.