1860s to 1880s Fractional Currency // 5-10-25-50 Cent Notes // Set of 10 // Extra Fine to Uncirculated Condition

Most individuals today are highly surprised to hear of genuine U.S. paper currency with a face value of under one dollar, yet this was not always so. During the early years of the Civil War, banks suspended payments of metal coin, an act which led to a premium on all coins remaining in circulation. Coins were immediately hoarded and guarded by the public and all but disappeared from circulation. In response, the government a total of 5 issues of small currency over a 14-year period from 1862 to 1876 in denominations of 3, 5, 10, 15, 25, and 50 Cents. The later issues were known as Fractional Currency. A total of 369 million dollars of this currency was issued and it is estimated that 2 million dollars remains outstanding, most of which is presumed to have been lost or destroyed. The few notes that remain in the hands of collectors are peculiar relics of a notoriously difficult period in American financial history.

This collection includes 10 different pieces of fractional currency in extra-fine to uncirculated condition. Each note is housed in an archival-quality plastic sleeve and the set is presented in a black velvet bag with certificate of authenticity. You will receive the exact notes shown in the photos, including the following:

— 5-Cent Note: First issue (1862-1863)
— 5-Cent Note: Second issue (1863-1867)
— 10-Cent Note: Third issue (1864-1869)
— 10-Cent Note: Fourth issue (1869-1875)
— 25-Cent Note: First issue (1862-1863)
— 25-Cent Note: Second issue (1863-1867)
— 25-Cent Note: Third issue (1864-1869)
— 25-Cent Note: Fourth issue (1869-1875)
— 50-Cent Note: First issue (1862-1863)
— 50-Cent Note: Fourth issue (1869-1875)