Circa 1866-1867, consisting of thirty-nine (39) notes being presented as twenty (20) faces and nineteen (19) backs, all mounted on a gray shield incorporating an American eagle vignette and two Treasury seals; the whole behind glass in an antique wooden frame (30-1/2 x 26-5/8 in.) with a gilt liner. Friedberg 1382.

Private New Jersey Collection

Postage and Fractional currency emerged during the Civil War to supplement the Union's dwindling supply of circulating coinage. Since forgeries of these notes were rampant, Currency Shields were developed by the Treasury Department as a reference for determining the authenticity of a suspect note. Sold primarily to financial institutions, Currency Shields proved unpopular and were discontinued, ending up in a storage facility that was flooded. The damp stains at the bottom of this shield are a result of this unfortunate event.



Age toning and damp stains to the mount; overall good estate condition with bold colors.

$1,500 - 3,000