Fractional currency notes (fractionals) and the US Civil War

Highly Collectable Fractional Notes

Historically, politically, socially, and financially, Fractional Currency Notes carry huge significance. 

Printed in five separate issues, Fractional Currency notes were produced in denominations less than one dollar, hence the name “fractionals.” They included denominations as little as three cents and as much as 50 cents. Importantly, Fractional Currency Notes were only produced for a very short time between August 21, 1862 and February 15, 1876, making them extremely sought after by collectors and numismatists alike. 

During the US Civil war, coinage (small change) was very scarce due to understandable but economically difficult widespread hoarding among the populace. Not only were metal coins hoarded, they were melted down for their precious metal content. Hence, coins as a method of commerce were difficult if not impossible to find. The cash-strapped government, therefore, chose to issue “paper coins.” 

These paper coins were and still are also known as fractionals and postage currency due to their postage stamp like size and appearance. 

Unlike other legal US currency notes, fractionals are smaller and do not have serial numbers. Even today, the idea of “paper” coins (paper money worth less than a dollar) can be strange. Hence, this additional peculiarity has contributed significantly to the undervalued nature of these fractional notes. 

An additional reason these notes are so highly sought-after yet undervalued is that fractional currency is one of the least known (understood?) of all the US currencies. Twenty-three distinct designs were printed for just 14 years. While some fractionals are quite common and have less appeal to collectors, others are extremely rare, highly sought after, and in today’s competitive currency market, significantly undervalued. 

Specific and distinctive details on each note also contribute to rarity and value. If you have a fractional note that is a proof, specimen, experimental, or shield or if you own a set of fractionals in sheets or packs, you hold additional rarity and value in your hands. 

For more information and stunning examples of Fractional Currency Notes, visit treasuredstocks.com or call me, Jeff Smith at 870-670-4255

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Treasured stocks.com was founded in 1987 to provide currency enthusiasts and investors with a wide choice of currency items. The site offers a range of national and international coins and currency for the value conscious currency collector and investor. Please contact us at 870-670-4255 or email us at jeff@treasuredstocks.com

We look forward to serving you.

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

Grading for Civil War Confederate Notes

TreasuredStocks.com has included CC and A for the Grading of Confederate Notes

In addition to PMG and PCGS, CCandA is now performing professional grading and attribution services for Civil War Confederate Notes. With an impressive holder that is packed with information (see added note), Mike McNeil has compiled everything a serious collector wants and needs to know about  
a Confederate Note.

As you can see, this holder includes such important information as the date of the Act, Rarity, Signers, Plate Position and Special Notes. These are just a few of the more important comments that are identified. We encourage you to study this new grading service.
McNeil's pricing structure is reasonable and compares favorably with the industry.

The Confederate States of America issued a total of seven issues of Confederate Notes during its existence beginning with the Act of March 9th, 1861 and ending with the Act of February 17th, 1864.

The first Confederate Notes were issued through the Confederacy's original capital of Montgomery, Alabama and these notes are considered extremely rare. Once the state of Virginia seceded and joined the Confederacy, the capital was moved to Richmond in May 1861. All Confederate Notes 2nd thru 7th were issued through Richmond.

For more information about this and other collectable coins and currency, please visit our web site at  http://www.treasuredstocks.com/  
or email  jeff@treasuredstocks.com

Treasuredstocks.com is an Official Dealer for PCGS and PMG grading institutes.  We are also members of numerous Numismatist organizations including Professional Currency Dealers Association (PCDA) and American Numismatic Association (ANA).

Treasured stocks.com was founded in 1987 to provide currency enthusiasts and investors with a wide choice of currency items. The site offers a range of national and international coins and currency for the value conscious currency collector and investor.

TreasuredStocks.com

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