1874 U.S. 25¢ - Fractional Currency: Fifth Issue - CU
- Country: United States
- Period: Federal Republic (1776-Date)
- Type: Standard Banknote
- Years: 1874
- Printer: Columbian Bank Note Co. - Washington, D.C.
- Denomination: 25 Cents
- Currency: United States Dollar (1785-Date)
- Composition: Paper
- Diameter: 90mm x 52mm
- Condition: Choice Uncirculated - CU
- Signature: John Allison (JA) & Francis Elias Spinner (FES)
- Obverse: Portrait of Robert J Walker with denomination, country, and signatures to the right
- Reverse: Denomination within ornate design and in all four corners; Congressional act to the left and right, and the printing company below
- Reference: P# 123, FR# 1309
Fractional currency was introduced following the Civil War by the United States federal government. Coins became difficult to find because people started hoarding them for their precious metal content and started using stamps instead of coins as a means of commerce. The government decided to try and counteract the hoarding problem and issue fractional currency or "postage currency". These notes were issued between August 21st, 1862 through February 15th, 1876. The notes issued were 3, 5, 10, 15, 25 and 50 cent denominations with five different issues through the issuing period. Fractional currency is significantly smaller than the other circulating notes of the time and does not contain a serial number.
*Currency condition is based on our professional opinion. Pictures are representative of the currency that you will receive, actual currency may differ slightly, and serial numbers may vary*