Jeff Smith, President and CEO Treasuredstocks.com

Jeff Smith, President and CEO Treasuredstocks.com
Jeff Smith

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Fractionals and the US Civil War

 What role did "fractionals"  play in the Civil War?

Fractional Currency, also known as Fractionals, is a term used by currency collectors to identify a note with a face value of less than (a fraction of) one U. S. Dollar. 
During the Civil War, coins were very scarce, a problem made worse by metal shortages and public hoarding. 

Fr#: 1228 Fractional Currency 5 Cent First Issue Perforated Edges with Monogram PCGS 62 PPQ New

Coins were so scarce that merchants couldn’t make change for their customers. Consequently, starting in 1862, the US Government issued paper Fractionals  in 3, 5, 10, 15, 25 and 50 cent denominations. Fractional Currency notes have dates ranging from 1862 (the Civil War) to 1876. 

Notes could be exchanged for face value in postage stamps. An interesting controversy occurred when the first Superintendent of the National Currency Bureau (now known as the Bureau of Engraving and Printing – BEP) Spencer M. Clark printed his picture on the 5 cent note. 

It is now only legal to portray persons of distinction on currency following their death, plus at least two years. Imagine that such a controversy occurred over a five cent fractional note! 

Because of their significance in US history and policy, Fractional Currency and Fractional Notes have become increasingly collectable and valuable. 
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For a look at some exciting Fractional Notes, visit us at
http://www.treasuredstocks.com/currency/  

We are official members of multiple numismatic-related organizations. Thus, Treasuredstocks.com welcomes any and all questions regarding our FRACTIONAL NOTE postings and our passion for collecting coins and currency of all types. 
We are here to assist you! 
Please give us a call at 870-670-4255 or email us at jeff@treasuredstocks.com
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How to Start a Currency Collection

I want to start collecting coins and currency items; where do I start?

Collectors of coins and currency do so for many reasons. One of the most common collector is the hobiest who collects more for fun and appeal, rather than profit. Often, this attraction begins as a child who, by chance or purpose, receives an item that is both fascinating and historical.

An increasingly popular reason to pursue collecting of coins and currency is to do so as an investment Persons who use collections as a kind of investing do so with the idea that the value of the items, in singular or total, will increase over time. Supply and demand is the key concept here as well as a critical understanding that collections do not “make” money until they are sold and may even incur costs, such as the costs of safe and secure storage.

A third type of collector is the person who acquires a collection via inheritance. This person may or may not have any real interest in the items but appreciates potential value.

One great advantage we have today is the internet. For example, take a careful look around our Treasuredstocks.com web site and you will see over 4,000 items, of all categories, grades, and prices, all graded and all in full color view. And now a bit about grading. A graded item allows collectors to speak the same language when it comes to the condition of the item.

The term “Numismatics” refers to the study or collecting of coin/currency. A numismatist is someone who does this by hobby or profession. Here is a great web site to use, when learning more about such an exciting field. There’s even several links specifically designed for children.

http://www.numismatics.tv/

We are official members of multiple numismatic-related organizations. Therefore, Treasuredstocks.com welcomes any and all questions regarding our postings and our passion for collecting coins and currency of all types. We are here to assist you! Please give us a call at 870-670-4255 or email us at jeff@treasuredstocks.com