Here's two additional notes I acquired for my fractional collection: The first is a 5 Cent from the second issue. I have to admit that when it comes to the five different issues of fractional currencies, the second ranks at the bottom for me. I was never a big fan of those metallic security features that looked like a horse collar around the portrait. In the overwhelming majority of these notes, they're never centered...and even when they are they still just look weird to me. But it is what it is, and I still need some. So here's my first. And then for my second acquisition today, I found the 50 cents for the 5th issue, whish I have to say is my second favorite issue of fractionals behind the 4rth. Feel free to post anything you want.
Since there was a shortage of coins from this era, are they more valuable or is it the other way around?
Like everything the answer is complicated. Some varieties of Fractional notes are actually quite valuable in high grades, though most all are very affordable in XF to VF condition. Some varieties are also not very expensive even in high grades. Same with coins of the era. It depends on the coin type, popularity, and grade. As for how expensive it would be to put together a collection of Fractionals, it is going to depend on whether you just want a type set of 25, or you're going for every single last variety. If you are just doing the type set then it should be something that is achievable for most people, as you can skip some of the more expensive varieties. If you are also willong to go AU on some, that will also make it infinitely more accessible. However, a collection of every variety type, especially if you add some of the rare specimen types, will get very expensive quick. Some specimens will set you back $1000 or more. Personally I'm not trying to put every single variety together. I'm doing the typeset, though I may add one or two specimens eventually. But my goal is not to have everything.
I think PMG had a brain fart on the top one , 55 ? these were cut with scissors and much thought wasent put in to making the edges straight A/U paper usually has much centering.
I think that's why it got 55 and not 58. It really only has one fold, could have been a 58, but centering being off and being cut a little crooked net graded it down. It might be a little crooked, but all the design is there, barely, but it's all there. So they marked it down to the next lowest grade for the off centering. If you read their grading standards, AU-55 can have one fold (just like 58) or two folds. AU-53 always has two folds. So 55 is where you net grade a 58 that has other small issues like centering, but is still otherwise crisp and with one fold. So yes, I personally think they got the grade right. Now, if there had been a more severe off center then you would list that in the back as a condition issue. Or if it had a little pinhole. Then you would have a note that would still grade 55, but with listed issues (similar I guess to a "Details" designation on a coin.) At any rate, it's a cheap note, I'm not too worried about it. I would be more picky if we were taking about a $400 or $500 note, which this one is nowhere near close to being
