Civil War Scrip, "United States Army, 5 Cents in Merchandise," 1861-1865
Add to SetSummary
Paper currency became necessary when metal coins became scarce during the Civil War. Hoarding of coins by U. S. citizens drove this scarcity and created a need for a paper version of small change. This privately issued five-cent note was redeemable in merchandise but only from George Davidson, a sutler -- a civilian supplier of goods to the army.
Paper currency became necessary when metal coins became scarce during the Civil War. Hoarding of coins by U. S. citizens drove this scarcity and created a need for a paper version of small change. This privately issued five-cent note was redeemable in merchandise but only from George Davidson, a sutler -- a civilian supplier of goods to the army.
Artifact
Scrip
Date Made
1861-1865
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in With Liberty & Justice for All
Object ID
61.5.4
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Lulu Holmes
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Color
Multicolored
Dimensions
Height: 2.938 in
Width: 6.75 in
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