{"product_id":"1862-united-states-10-fractional-currency-first-issue-postage-currency-george-washington","title":"1862 United States 10¢ Fractional Currency – First Issue “Postage Currency” | George Washington","description":"\u003csection class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-WEB:58b75f88-82cc-4a15-a4a2-c28aacde0478-12\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-26\" data-scroll-anchor=\"false\" data-turn=\"assistant\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"3e0ee502-aa07-41fb-ac0b-46e5f68133c3\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-3\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none [--shadow-height:45px] has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none has-data-writing-block:-mt-(--shadow-height) has-data-writing-block:pt-(--shadow-height) [\u0026amp;:has([data-writing-block])\u0026gt;*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]\" dir=\"auto\" data-turn-id=\"request-WEB:58b75f88-82cc-4a15-a4a2-c28aacde0478-13\" data-testid=\"conversation-turn-28\" data-scroll-anchor=\"false\" data-turn=\"assistant\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg\/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group\/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv data-message-author-role=\"assistant\" data-message-id=\"e13ef295-8256-4ab6-b643-36e5fa729c2e\" dir=\"auto\" data-message-model-slug=\"gpt-5-3\" class=\"min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+\u0026amp;]:mt-1\" data-turn-start-message=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"markdown prose dark:prose-invert w-full wrap-break-word light markdown-new-styling\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"170\" data-end=\"555\"\u003eStep into the financial history of the American Civil War with this authentic \u003cstrong data-start=\"248\" data-end=\"303\"\u003e1862 United States 10-Cent Fractional Currency Note\u003c\/strong\u003e, part of the First Issue famously known as \u003cstrong data-start=\"347\" data-end=\"370\"\u003e“Postage Currency.”\u003c\/strong\u003e Created to address the widespread hoarding of gold, silver, and copper coins, these notes provided a practical solution for everyday transactions during a time of economic uncertainty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"557\" data-end=\"885\"\u003eDesigned to resemble contemporary postage stamps, this historic note features a portrait of \u003cstrong data-start=\"649\" data-end=\"670\"\u003eGeorge Washington\u003c\/strong\u003e, reinforcing its patriotic symbolism and earning its distinctive nickname. Its compact size and intricate design reflect both innovation and necessity, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of U.S. paper money.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"887\" data-end=\"1178\"\u003eAuthorized by Congress, these notes were redeemable for United States Notes through Assistant Treasurers and designated depositaries, making them an essential component of commerce during the Civil War era. Today, they are treasured artifacts sought after by collectors and historians alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1180\" data-end=\"1183\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"17axgyb\" data-start=\"1185\" data-end=\"1204\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1189\" data-end=\"1204\"\u003eKey Details\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1206\" data-end=\"1951\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1m9nqfs\" data-start=\"1206\" data-end=\"1274\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1208\" data-end=\"1217\"\u003eItem:\u003c\/strong\u003e United States Fractional Currency (“Postage Currency”)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1pk3pw0\" data-start=\"1275\" data-end=\"1329\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1277\" data-end=\"1294\"\u003eDenomination:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 Cents (One-Tenth of a Dollar)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"hywkbs\" data-start=\"1330\" data-end=\"1356\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1332\" data-end=\"1342\"\u003eIssue:\u003c\/strong\u003e First Issue\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1vscvtl\" data-start=\"1357\" data-end=\"1391\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1359\" data-end=\"1384\"\u003eYear of Introduction:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1862\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ej2wzk\" data-start=\"1392\" data-end=\"1427\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1394\" data-end=\"1407\"\u003ePortrait:\u003c\/strong\u003e George Washington\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ywajnf\" data-start=\"1428\" data-end=\"1470\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1430\" data-end=\"1449\"\u003eHistorical Era:\u003c\/strong\u003e American Civil War\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ulz35u\" data-start=\"1471\" data-end=\"1519\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1473\" data-end=\"1486\"\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Printed on thin currency paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1o3l4bq\" data-start=\"1520\" data-end=\"1590\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1522\" data-end=\"1534\"\u003ePurpose:\u003c\/strong\u003e Issued to alleviate coin shortages caused by hoarding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1r1dntx\" data-start=\"1591\" data-end=\"1688\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1593\" data-end=\"1611\"\u003eRedeemability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Exchangeable for United States Notes through authorized Treasury officials\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1kyoxnp\" data-start=\"1689\" data-end=\"1758\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1691\" data-end=\"1704\"\u003eNickname:\u003c\/strong\u003e “Postage Currency” due to its stamp-like appearance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"109d427\" data-start=\"1759\" data-end=\"1814\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1761\" data-end=\"1778\"\u003eLegal Status:\u003c\/strong\u003e Obsolete and no longer redeemable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"182s74t\" data-start=\"1815\" data-end=\"1866\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1817\" data-end=\"1839\"\u003eCountry of Origin:\u003c\/strong\u003e United States of America\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"mzpllx\" data-start=\"1867\" data-end=\"1951\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1869\" data-end=\"1888\"\u003eCollectibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Highly desirable among numismatists and Civil War historians\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1953\" data-end=\"1956\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1vwbckl\" data-start=\"1958\" data-end=\"1989\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1962\" data-end=\"1989\"\u003eHistorical Significance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1990\" data-end=\"2340\"\u003eIntroduced in 1862, fractional currency represented the first circulating paper money in denominations of less than one dollar issued by the United States. These notes were critical in sustaining commerce when metallic coins disappeared from circulation. Their innovative stamp-inspired designs led to their popular designation as “postage currency.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2342\" data-end=\"2513\"\u003eThe depiction of George Washington—the nation’s first president—underscores the patriotic spirit of the era while enhancing the note’s appeal to collectors and historians.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2515\" data-end=\"2518\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1vkd20z\" data-start=\"2520\" data-end=\"2544\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2524\" data-end=\"2544\"\u003eRarity and Value\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"2546\" data-end=\"3043\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ts65qe\" data-start=\"2546\" data-end=\"2597\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2548\" data-end=\"2575\"\u003eCivil War-Era Artifact:\u003c\/strong\u003e Over 160 years old.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"6t1gvs\" data-start=\"2598\" data-end=\"2685\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2600\" data-end=\"2636\"\u003eFirst Fractional Currency Issue:\u003c\/strong\u003e A foundational piece of U.S. monetary history.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"19w9aix\" data-start=\"2686\" data-end=\"2770\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2688\" data-end=\"2726\"\u003eIconic George Washington Portrait:\u003c\/strong\u003e Widely recognized and highly collectible.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"khpwhb\" data-start=\"2771\" data-end=\"2860\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2773\" data-end=\"2798\"\u003eFragile Construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Survivors in collectible condition are increasingly scarce.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"pedvvh\" data-start=\"2861\" data-end=\"2954\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2863\" data-end=\"2891\"\u003eStrong Collector Demand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Essential for fractional currency and Civil War collections.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1njgbky\" data-start=\"2955\" data-end=\"3043\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"2957\" data-end=\"2982\"\u003eInvestment Potential:\u003c\/strong\u003e Value varies based on condition, centering, and originality.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"3045\" data-end=\"3048\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"31l4gk\" data-start=\"3050\" data-end=\"3095\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3054\" data-end=\"3095\"\u003eWhy Add This Note to Your Collection?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3096\" data-end=\"3351\"\u003eThis \u003cstrong data-start=\"3101\" data-end=\"3150\"\u003e1862 10¢ First Issue Fractional Currency Note\u003c\/strong\u003e is a tangible link to one of America’s most pivotal periods. Its historical significance, distinctive design, and enduring rarity make it an exceptional addition to any advanced numismatic collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3353\" data-end=\"3450\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3353\" data-end=\"3450\" data-is-last-node=\"\"\u003eSecure this remarkable Civil War-era treasure today and own a true piece of American history.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Coin Hub","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47575347495075,"sku":"132459757711","price":19.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0740\/0095\/7603\/files\/1862-United-States-10-Fractional-Currency-First-31.jpg?v=1778848822","url":"https:\/\/coinhubstore.com\/products\/1862-united-states-10-fractional-currency-first-issue-postage-currency-george-washington","provider":"Heritage Pastime","version":"1.0","type":"link"}