US 1-cent Encased Postage Stamp

United States · 1862 · 1¢

A 1-cent blue United States postage stamp, featuring a profile portrait of Benjamin Franklin, encased in a circular brass holder with a clear mica window. These were used as fractional currency during the American Civil War.

During the American Civil War, a severe shortage of circulating coinage led to the creation of encased postage stamps, which served as a form of fractional currency. Merchants would often advertise on the metal cases, further integrating them into commerce.