United States fractional currency, or shinplaster, for 50 cents, 4.5 x 2.25, Fr. 1381, fifth issue dated between February 26, 1874, and February 15, 1876, the front featuring an engraved portrait of William Crawford, who served as Secretary of the Treasury from 1816 to 1825. In fine condition, with expected wear from use.
First issued during the Civil War, 50-cent fractional currency notes stood in for the circulation coinage that all but disappeared when American citizens began to hoard the coins for their gold, silver, and copper-nickel properties. Fractional currency was short-lived, however, and was issued after the Civil War only until 1876. This 50-cent note issued in the fifth series printed from 1874-1876 is the last of its kind, as fractional currency was never issued in the United States again.
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