During the Civil War, Americans began hoarding metal coins, creating a serious shortage of everyday change.

The federal government responded by issuing small paper notes called fractional currency. These miniature bills carried values of less than one dollar and circulated from 1862 until 1876, allowing people to make purchases when coins were difficult to find.

From pocket-sized paper money to modern banknotes, discover the unexpected history hidden in authentic currency at ThePatriotVault.com.