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.
Wide Margins Specimen. Back. Comment: Tears.
Fiber paper with surcharges 'T-1-18-63'. A bright and fresh appearance. Very scarce and desirable.
Wide Margins Specimen. Back. Comments: Closed Pinholes, Discoloration.
Washington in Bronze Oval. A scarce variety with "S-18-63" surcharges. Well centered with strong ink and bright bronzing.
Wide Margins Specimen. Back. Comments: Corner Damage, Foreign Substance.
Wide Margins Specimen. Front Comment: Piece Missing.
A crisp note with the light background portrait.
Wide Margins Specimen. Back. Comment: Stain.
Wide Margins Specimen. Front. Comments: Tears, Annotation.
Fiber Paper. Vignette of Justice. Well centered. Very scarce and desirable.
Wide Margins Specimen. Front. Comment: Minor Foreign Substance, Trimmed.
Wide Margins Specimen. Back. Comments: Tears, Stained.