Paper money, U.S. three cents 3/1863 Fractional green reverse his three cent note is a part of the third series of "fractional currency" that was issued in 1863. Paper Fractional Currency started to be issued during the Civil War by the Union in order to keep track of currency as coins of the same value were under struggle to being tracked by the citizens due to hoarding of the coins. Five different serues was issued by the Union. Paper Fractional Currency ended in February 1876 after Congress ordered the minting of silver coins at an efficient enough rate to discourage hoarding in place of the obsolete paper fractional currency. This particular three cent note was printed on March 3, 1863 as a part of the third series of "fractional currency". The front side of the note contains an image of George Washington on the front as well as the text, "Act of March 3d 1863 -- E Pluribus Unim -- United States Receivable For All U.S. Stamps. -- Three Cents -- Furnished Only By The Assistant Treasurers & Designated Depositaries Of The United States -- Fractional Currency -- Treasury Department," around the image, with the image acting as the divider of the text. The back side of this note contains the text, "This Note is Exchangeable for United States Notes By Assistant Treasurers And Designated Depositories Of The United States in the sums not less than Three Dollars. Receivable In Payment Of All Dues To The United States Less Than Five Dollars Except Customs," wrapped around the large number 3 in the center with a roman numeral III in each corner.