US 50 Cent Fr#1339 Third Issue Fractional Currency PCGS 65 Gem Uncirculated PPQ

• Country: United States
• Denomination: 50 Cents
• Series: Third Issue (1864–1869)
• Catalog Reference: Fr#1339
• Type: Fractional Currency
• Signatures: Colby & Spinner
• Certification: PCGS Banknote
• Grade: Gem Uncirculated 65 PPQ
• Reverse Color: Green
• Variety: No Surcharge / No Design Figures
• Portrait/Vignette: Francis E. Spinner
• Printer: Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP)

A superb 50 Cent Third Issue Fractional Currency, cataloged as Fr#1339, certified PCGS Gem Uncirculated 65 PPQ. This magnificent note features bold color contrast, near-perfect centering, and original paper quality — confirmed by the Premium Paper Quality (PPQ) designation.

Printed between 1864 and 1869, this note displays the portrait of Francis E. Spinner, U.S. Treasurer during the Civil War and the first government official to authorize women to work in the Treasury Department. The striking design includes detailed orange bronze tinting, a green reverse, and intricate line engraving typical of this era.

This variety — no surcharge, no design figures — is among the most desirable of the 50¢ fractional notes for its clean layout and strong visual symmetry. A stunning Gem Uncirculated example that beautifully represents the innovation and artistry of the Third Issue Fractional Currency series.

Background Information

Fractional currency was introduced by the U.S. Treasury in 1862 to address coin shortages during the Civil War. The Third Issue (1864–1869) marks a period of design experimentation and enhanced anti-counterfeiting measures, including colored backs and intricate engraving.

Cataloged as Friedberg #1339, this note bears the Colby–Spinner signatures and features the portrait of Treasurer Francis Spinner at center. The Third Issue was notable for using color reverses and metallic inks, establishing a standard of artistry rarely matched in U.S. paper money history.