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Picture of the day

A first-issue 5¢ ($0.05) note of U.S. fractional currency, depicting Thomas Jefferson on the obverse. Released between 21 August 1862 and 27 May 1863 in response to a coin shortage caused by the American Civil War, this first issue was based on Treasurer Francis E. Spinner's handmade examples of a currency based on postage stamps and included four denominations. Though not legal tender, postage currency could be exchanged for United States Notes in $5 lots and was receivable in payment of all dues to the United States, up to $5. Four additional issues followed before fractional currency was discontinued in 1876.

Other denominations: 10¢, 25¢, 50¢Banknote: National Banknote Company & the Treasury Department (image courtesy of the National Numismatic Collection, National Museum of American History)