currency symbolism

The Phrygian Cap on Fractional Currency: Revolutionary Symbolism on Civil War Small Change

June 15, 2026June 15, 2026 by

The tiny Phrygian cap printed on Civil War-era fractional currency carried centuries of revolutionary meaning into the pockets of everyday Americans. This guide unpacks the history, varieties, and collector value of these remarkable small-denomination notes.

The Fasces Symbol on US Currency: Roman Authority, Bundled Strength, and Its Appearances from Fractional Currency to Modern FRNs

June 15, 2026June 15, 2026 by

Few symbols carry as much historical weight as the fasces, a bundle of rods bound around an axe that signified Roman magisterial power for centuries before appearing on American coins and paper money. This deep dive traces every significant fasces appearance on US currency, from Civil War-era fractional notes to the Lincoln Memorial reverse, with specific catalog numbers and collector values to guide your hunt.