1862 UNITED STATES 10¢ Note, POSTAGE CURRENCY 1st Issue

This is a genuine United States Ten Cent Note from 1862. It is still legal tender and you could spend it.

The Civil War caused a serious coin shortage as well as untold hardship and misery. People stashed their coins away (even the new copper-nickel cents!) and merchants had no change. This led to various “expedients” being put into practice to alleviate the problem. Postage Stamps were used as change but as they quickly became soiled or lost, they were not popular.

The government began to print what it called “Postage Currency” to help facilitate trade and keep the critical war time economy moving. In this, the First Issue, there were 5¢, 10¢, 25¢ & 50¢ notes produced between August 21, 1862 and May 27, 1863. They got used, as you can see from the condition of this piece. The public detested them and they quickly gained the derogative nick-name “Shinplasters”.

Length: 65 Millimeter, Width: 43 Millimeter, or about 2 ½ by 1 ¾ Inch.

Paper Money of the United States by Robert Friedberg #1242.

Face: POSTAGE CURRENCY at top • 10, George Washington Ten Cent Stamp.

Back: Exchangeable for United States Notes by any Assistant Treasurer or designated U.S. Depository in sums not less than Five Dollars. Receivable in payments of all dues to the U. States less than Five Dollars. Act Approved July 17, 1862. Note the American Banknote Company (Printer) logo in the lower right corner.

The Note: A well used example, this one saw some heavy use. It has one small tear at the top and the edges are somewhat rough. Totally original, and genuine, a neat piece of American and Civil War history. The note will be sent in a new inert Mylar bill holder. As grading is subjective please see the pictures and judge for yourself.

Remember, FREE SHIPPING! And as always with my auctions, after the minimum bid there is no reserve.