U.S. Counterfeit 25 Cents, FR-1291- 1869 dated Fractional Currency - Fantastic Counterfeit Note

25 Cents, FR-1291. Counterfeit taken April 6, 1869. Front and back shown.

The Friedberg #1291 note, a 25-cent denomination from the Third Issue of United States fractional currency, was introduced between 1864 and 1869. During the Civil War, Congress authorized these “paper coins” to alleviate severe coin shortages caused by public hoarding of gold, silver, and copper. The #1291 variety is distinguished by its vibrant red back and the signatures of Treasury officials Colby and Spinner.

At a time when small change was scarce, even postage stamps were briefly used as a medium of exchange before being replaced by these more durable, non-adhesive notes. The Fr#1291 note features a portrait of William P. Fessenden, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury during the Civil War. Designed with intricate anti-counterfeiting elements typical of the era, this issue was part of the only series to include a three-cent denomination. Despite the 25-cent note remaining a staple for daily transactions like purchasing a pound of flour, over 99% of all fractional currency was eventually redeemed and destroyed by the government. Today, the #1291 note is highly prized by collectors for its historical connection to wartime financial ingenuity and its artistic craftsmanship.