Third Issue: 12/5/1864—08/16/1869

Like the email Spam artists of today, fractional counterfeiters were relentless, and in many cases, gifted, in their specialty. The U.S. Bureau of Engraving was in full swing by the time of the Third Issue's advent, and they worked ardently to produce notes that by their sheer artistry should have thwarted most counterfeit attempts; but they didn't. Issue three has most extensive list of denominations, five, and the most varieties, 78, of any other of the five issues.

Following the lead of larger denominations, all the notes of the third issue save the three-cent note (used mainly to buy postage stamps, which cost three cents) carried either autographed or printed signatures, usually of the Register and Treasurer. They were issued on better, high fiber paper with reverses that came in different colors for the same obverse. Hardly noticeable letters or numbers were hidden like Easter eggs around designs that had grown as intricate as Oriental mandalas; again, all painstakingly instituted to keep the business of printing money exclusively in the hands of the U.S. government. Denominations include 3, 5, 10, 25, and 50-cent notes (of which there were two distinct types). There was a 15-cent type printed in "specimen" form, but never generally distributed. The Third issue brought with it a level of artistry and effort heretofore unheard of with fractional notes, a level that would be sustained for the remaining two issues.

Third Issue Three Cent Note Light Background

Washington Portrait Partially Encircled By Wreath

The Sole Three Cent Produced In The Fractional Series

It's Real Value Was, Like The Three-Cent Silver Piece Produced Concurrently, It Could Be Used To Buy A Three-Cent Postage Stamp, Allowing A Lonely Soldier To Send A Letter Back Home.

Beautifully Centered and Margined, Strong Ink

AU/UNC

FR 1226

$129.00

Third Issue Three Cent Note Light Background

Washington Portrait Partially Encircled By Wreath

The Sole Three Cent Produced In The Fractional Series

An Uncirculated Three Cent bill. This One Has All The Earmarks Needed For An UNC Grade. The Paper Is Birch White And Crisp. The Ink Is Deep, And The Lines Are Clean. The Margins Are Outstanding Front And Back.

FR 1226

$149.00

Third Issue Three Cent Note Dark Background

Washington Portrait Partially Encircled By Wreath

This note is of the rarer "dark curtain" variety, that is, the background of the oval encircling Washington's likeness is dark.

This note is AU with Exceptional Paper Quality. Sharp corners and nice margins. It's cream white, a bit less than bright, and that's kept it to a 55 (which is a very good score). Take this opportunity to get a nice, graded dark background.

FR 1227

PMG AU 55 EPQ

$169.00

Third Issue Three Cent Note Light Background

Washington Portrait Partially Encircled By Wreath

The Sole Three Cent Produced In The Fractional Series.

It's Real Value Was, Like The Three-Cent Nickel That Replaced It, It Could Be Used To Buy A Three-Cent Postage Stamp, Allowing A Lonely Soldier To Send A Letter Back Home

This Is A Very Clean Ane Well-Detailed Note On Light Vanilla-Gray Stock. Graded By PMG, It Reetains Its Original Crispness And Embossing, As Indicated By The Assignment of "EPQ" (Exceptional Paper Quality) By PMG.

FR 1226

PMG 53 EPQ

$129.00

Third Issue Three Cent Note Light Background

Washington Portrait Partially Encircled By Wreath

The first and second issues of fractional currency were without signatures (printed). Of the third issue, the three cent was the only denomination not signed.

This light curtain variety gets a "choice" 58 with Premium Paper Quality. In short, like others of like grade, it looks uncirculated. Paper is bright, strong ink. Front margins are superior, and the back is a bit tight on the left. Oodles of eye appeal.

$159.00