Since the past few Threads have been on Counterfeits... The first Fractional currency was issued to the public in August 1862. Initially, the new currency was in such high demand, that in some cities, permits had to be issued to allow merchants to acquire the notes! One such permit issued from the United States Treasury reads as such; "New York Nov 12, 1862. This will entitle the holder to receive in exchange for for United States Notes _____________________ Dollars in Postage Currency each Monday and Thursday until futher notice. John J. Cisco Asst Treasuer U.S." Quote: TEPFC (The Encyclopedia of Postage and Fractional Currency) "Unfortunately, Postage Currency notes lacked adequate protection against counterfeiting and counterfeit notes appeared shortly after the first release of the genuine notes. There were so many counterfeits that the public started a new outcry for protection. The Treasury then directed the National Currency Bureau to proceed with new designs for it's currency. The issue incorporating those design changes, known aas fractional currency, was printed by the Treasury Department." RickieB
oh yah... Well did you know this!!?:goofer::goofer::goofer: Desperate for funds to pay the troops stationed in France, the intendant wrote pledges on the backs of playing cards in June 1685. Because of the illiteracy of the inhabitants, teh cards were cut in halves or quarters to assist in the recognition of denominations - four livres on a whole card, two livres on a half and 15 sols on a quarter card. When specie arrived from France in September, the playing cards were all redeemed. Despite the King's disapproval of the practice of issuing card money, the failure of the supply ships to arrive on time (or at all) forced the colonial administration to resort to issue it again and again. At first the system worked well, the playing cards being promptly redeemed. After 1700 the French Treasury was often unable to pay the amounts appropriate for New France, and the shortfall had to be made up by more playing card money, with no immediate prospect of redemption. Inflation was the predictable result. In 1714 the King of France offered to redeem the playing card money at 50% of its face value, in silver. By 1720 virtually all of the playing cards had been redeemed and burned, and any not turned in for redemption were proclaimed worthless. Over the next ten years no card money circulated in New France. Coin was scarce because it was horded by the habitants rather than lent out at an interest, "usury" being offensive to their religious beliefs. The colony was once again plagued by the lack of a circulating currency. Playing Card money (1685-1719) Quebec city http://www.quebecoislibre.org/06/cardtop.jpg http://www.quebecoislibre.org/06/cardback.jpg quote: A Charlton Standard Catalogue Canadian Government Paper money 20th edition 2008
hmm Doug just posted something in introductions saying dont copy write and stuff... As i posted earlier in this thread, and I stated where all the information came from. I hope it is clear, as I also hope that it does not get deleted.. the information I just wrote came from " A charlton Government paper money" 20th edition 2008 R.J. Graham, Editor and I wrote all that out from the book, not from copy and pasting it
RickieB and Snaz, No I did not know those things. Snaz, You'll probably end up doing time! Hope your cell has a computer clembo
RickieB, I read about the counterfiting that occurred after the postage currency was released when I was looking up one of the questions in your contest. snaz, I read that some where a very long time ago. The playing card currency is collectible. I may have gotten that info from The Bathroom Reader. Lou
Awesome Snaz! Info like that is especially good to know in my neck of the woods... Who knows, if I ever come across some cut up cards covered in Francais during my travels, I won't dismiss them as junk now!
