UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Fractional Banknote

Due to a severe shortage of coins caused by hoarding during the Civil War, the United States government issued currency in denominations of less than a dollar called fractional currency.  This 10 Cent note, dated March 3, 1863 was part of the fourth series of fractional notes, which continued to be issued as late as 1875.  The front depicting Liberty and a large red treasury seal was printed by the American Bank Note Company in New York.  The green back was printed by the National Bank Note Company in New York.  Two firms were used as a security measure to prevent unauthorized issues. According to the legends on the note it could be redeemed for United States Stamps or could be exchanged for United States notes in amounts of not less than 3 Dollars. Because of the shortage of coins fractional notes were widely, though not always happily, accepted in change.   The note is 81mm x 48mm.

Other Banknote

 

 

 

 

 

 

MILITARY PAYMENT CERTIFICATE

WASHINGTON COUNTY, OREGON DEPRESSION SCRIP

Unable to pay their bills during the depths of the depression, some communities issued their own scrip.  The scrip was generally accepted within the community and would be redeemed by the local government authorities at some later date.  This set of two Scrip notes issued by Washington County, Oregon are dated April 15, 1933.  Hillsboro is the county seat and largest city in Washington County.  When the County had money to redeem the notes, it was to publish a notice in at least four local newspapers.  The public would then have six months to redeem the scrip for warrants, which could then be cashed at a local bank.  The set includes unissued 50 Cents and 1 Dollar scrip notes in Uncirculated condition.