1869-1875 50 Cent Fractional Currency

Due to widespread hoarding of coins during the Civil War era, Congress authorized the printing of fractional currency notes (with values less than a dollar) from 1862-1876. This 50¢ note is from the 1869-1875 Fourth Issue of fractional currency, the first fractionals to carry the Treasury Seal. The note bears a small red seal, and a portrait of Edwin M. Stanton, secretary of war under President Lincoln. This Civil War-era collectible is printed on paper with violet fibers and blue right end on the face.