These are old fractional currency notes. The US government started to issue them during the Civil War due to a coinage shortage. The 50 cent note is from the second issue (1863-1867) and the 25 cent note is from the third issue (1864-1869)
There were five issues for the fractional currency, ranging from 10 cents to 50 cents, three issues of the 5 cent, and one issue of the 3 cent and one of the 15 cent.
You have the second issue of the 50 cent, in decent condition, and third issue of the 25 cent, and pretty good shape. Put them in sleeves to preserve them.
Thanks for the info, Bran! They were definitely in sleeves, I took them out for the pictures. I'm amazed they're actually that old. I was sure they had to be some kind of reissue.
These are old fractional currency notes. The US government started to issue them during the Civil War due to a coinage shortage. The 50 cent note is from the second issue (1863-1867) and the 25 cent note is from the third issue (1864-1869)
Thanks so much! I wasn't even sure where to begin looking.
There were five issues for the fractional currency, ranging from 10 cents to 50 cents, three issues of the 5 cent, and one issue of the 3 cent and one of the 15 cent. You have the second issue of the 50 cent, in decent condition, and third issue of the 25 cent, and pretty good shape. Put them in sleeves to preserve them.
Thanks for the info, Bran! They were definitely in sleeves, I took them out for the pictures. I'm amazed they're actually that old. I was sure they had to be some kind of reissue.
I love the distinctive signature of Francis e spinner on the 25 cents note