US 50 Cents Fr#1362 Third Issue Fractional Currency PCGS 55 About UNC

• Country: United States
• Denomination: 50 Cents
• Series: Third Issue (1864–1869)
• Catalog Reference: Fr#1362
• Type: Fractional Currency
• Signatures: Colby & Spinner
• Certification: PCGS Banknote
• Grade: About Uncirculated 55
• Reverse Color: Green
• Variety: Compact Surcharge / No Design Figures
• Vignette: Justice (Seated)
• Printer: Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP)

A visually striking example of 50 Cent Third Issue Fractional Currency, cataloged as Fr#1362, certified PCGS About Uncirculated 55. This note features the green reverse with compact surcharge and no design figures, a scarce and desirable subtype within this historic Civil War–era series.

The face depicts an allegorical vignette of Justice, seated with scales and a sword, symbolizing fairness and authority in a time of national reconstruction. The orange-bronze overprint, crisp engraving, and balanced layout exemplify the artistic precision of the Third Issue (1864–1869) fractional notes.

Graded About Uncirculated 55, this note retains much of its original paper freshness and detail, showing only minimal handling — a premium representative of one of America’s most fascinating small-denomination issues.

Background Information

Fractional currency was introduced by the U.S. Treasury in 1862 to combat the widespread hoarding of silver and gold coins during the Civil War. The Third Issue (1864–1869) is celebrated for its innovative security features, including bronze tints, colored reverses, and complex surcharges designed to prevent counterfeiting.

Cataloged as Friedberg #1362, this particular type — with Green Reverse, Compact Surcharge, and No Design Figures — is among the scarcer varieties of the 50¢ denomination. It bears the Colby–Spinner signatures and showcases exceptional craftsmanship from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP).