The third issue of Fractional Currency started at the end of 1864 with the war going full blast. As the quality of the Fractional Notes improved, so did the quality of the counterfeits of the earlier issue notes. This and the ever-increasing demand for “small change,” made a design change necessary. There are more varieties […]

The Flying Eagle cent is a one-cent piece struck by the United States Mint as a pattern coin in 1856 and for circulation in 1857 and 1858. The coin was designed by Mint Chief Engraver James B. Longacre, with the eagle in flight based on the work of Longacre’s predecessor, Christian Gobrecht. By the early […]

The Indian Head cent, also known as an Indian Head penny, was a one-cent coin ($0.01) produced by the United States Mint from 1859 to 1909. It was designed by James Barton Longacre, the Chief Engraver at the Philadelphia Mint. Mint Director James Ross Snowden selected the Indian Head design, and chose a laurel wreath […]

National Bank Notes were United States currency banknotes issued by National banks chartered by the United States Government. The notes were usually backed by United States bonds the bank deposited with the United States Treasury. In addition, banks were required to maintain a redemption fund amounting to five percent of any outstanding note balance, in […]