1874 10 Cent Fractional Currency Value Guide

The 1874 10-cent fractional currency note is a fascinating relic from the Fifth Issue of U.S. 'shinplasters,' created to solve coin shortages following the Civil War. This specific note features a portrait of William M. Meredith, the former Secretary of the Treasury, and represents the final era of small-denomination paper legal tender in America.

What Is 1874 10 Cent Fractional Currency Worth?

The typical price range for 1874 10 Cent Fractional Currency is $70 - $90 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The crispness of the paper and the absence of folds or 'pinholes' significantly drive the price toward the $90 range.
• Centering of the printed image and the presence of broad, even margins increase the desirability for currency collectors.
• The vibrancy of the green ink on the seal and the clarity of the fine-line engraving on Meredith's portrait.
• Market demand for Fifth Issue notes, which are often sought after to complete historical fractional currency sets.

How to Identify 1874 10 Cent Fractional Currency?

• Verify the portrait of William M. Meredith on the obverse, which was exclusive to the 10-cent notes of the Fifth Issue.
• Check for the green seal on the right side of the note, a characteristic feature of the 1874-1876 printing series.
• Examine the paper for the presence of silk fibers or watermarks used by the Treasury to deter counterfeiting during the 1870s.
• Confirm the dimensions are significantly smaller than modern currency, as these were designed to replace silver dimes.

History of 1874 10 Cent Fractional Currency

Fractional currency, also known as 'shinplasters,' was issued by the United States government from 1862 to 1876 due to the hoarding of coins during the Civil War. These small denomination paper notes were a temporary solution to the coin shortage. The Fifth Issue, which this 10-cent note belongs to, was printed from 1874 to 1876 and featured portraits of notable figures like William M. Meredith, who served as Secretary of the Treasury under President Zachary Taylor.