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

See Examples For:

fractional currency

Throughout most of the war they were supplemented by the notes of state banks, local token-money, and fractional currency, or "shinplasters," of the United States.

From The New Nation by Dodd, William E.

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

Now and then, when he could wheedle some fractional currency out of Margaret, he spent it like a crown-prince at The Wee Drop around the corner.

From A Rivermouth Romance by Aldrich, Thomas Bailey

That limit would have been reached if the whole amount of fractional currency issued and not redeemed, had been held to be "outstanding."

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

Mr. Hamilton, of Maryland, inquired: "I would ask the Senator if there is authority to reissue that fractional currency?"

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