Fractional Notes

We offer the finest in Fractional Notes.

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. 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 & 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 notes have become increasingly collectable and valuable.

Please browse our collection below...