The new notes became known as “greenbacks” from the green ink used in printing the backs. The series started with “Demand” notes of 1861 produced in $5, $10 and $20 denominations payable in coin on demand from the U.S. Treasury. In 1862, “Legal Tender” notes were issued in $1 through $10,000 denominations. The value of the notes was based on faith in the government, and that they could be used to purchase government bonds that paid interest in gold, making it lucrative for investors to buy bonds with depreciated greenbacks at face value. Interest-bearing notes were also issued from 1861 through 1865 to help finance the war.
After the Civil War, Treasury notes, Silver Certificates and National Gold Bank notes were introduced, incorporating designs that are considered some of the most beautiful ever used on U.S. paper money. With the introduction of the Federal Reserve System in 1913, Federal Reserve notes and Federal Reserve Bank notes were introduced. Federal Reserve notes are the only type of note still issued in the U. S. though older types are still occasionally found in circulation.
Did You Know?
Although Demand notes were no longer printed after 1862, they are still valid today, redeemable at face value. The U.S. Treasury began redeeming Legal Tender notes for coin in 1879, but they continued to be issued until 1966 and are still redeemable today at face value.
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