fractional currency

American  

noun

1. coins or paper money of a smaller denomination than the basic monetary unit.

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fractional currency British  

noun

1. paper or metal money of smaller denomination than the standard monetary unit

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Etymology

Origin of fractional currency

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Example Sentences

Roy Thompson.—There is no premium on the fractional currency used during the war, unless it is perfectly fresh and has never been circulated.

From Harper's Round Table, July 2, 1895 by Various

This bill simply directs that the Secretary of the Treasury shall purchase this bullion and shall coin silver coin and substitute that in the place of fractional currency.

From Recollections of Forty Years in the House, Senate and Cabinet An Autobiography. by Sherman, John

It was well known, however, that a very large amount of fractional currency issued had been destroyed, and could not be presented for redemption, and could hardly be held to be "outstanding."

From Recollections of Forty Years in the House, Senate and Cabinet An Autobiography. by Sherman, John

At this moment in ran the two boys, hot, dusty, and excited,—Arthur with a handful of "fractional currency," and Jack waving a two-dollar bill.

From Nine Little Goslings by Coolidge, Susan

Therefore the committee has provided that the Secretary of the Treasury shall proceed to coin the silver coins, and in one of several ways to issue them in place of fractional currency.

From Recollections of Forty Years in the House, Senate and Cabinet An Autobiography. by Sherman, John