fractional currency

American  

noun

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

---

fractional currency British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of fractional currency

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fractional currency

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

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

The half dollar, the quarter dollar, and the dime, for fractional currency, are proportional parts of 385.8 grains of silver nine-tenths fine.

From Rural Health and Welfare by Fairchild, George Thompson

Under the proposed measure," he said, "authority is specifically asked to withdraw the fractional currency and legal-tender notes, in whole or in part, and to substitute bonds for them.

From Twenty Years of Congress, Volume 2 From Lincoln to Garfield, with a Review of the Events Which Led to the Political Revolution of 1860 by Blaine, James Gillespie

In 1855 he issued and redeemed fractional currency.

From Fifty Years In The Northwest With An Introduction And Appendix Containing Reminiscences, Incidents And Notes by Folsom, William Henry Carman