Uncertainty during the Civil War led to widespread hoarding of coins, and it became impossible to make change. So Congress authorized small-size paper currency notes in denominations of 3, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents - which were released between 1862-1876. When Congress in 1875-76 authorized redemption of this fractional currency in silver coins, most of these notes were redeemed. This 10¢ fractional currency note is a precious souvenir of the Civil War era!