America's Ever-Changing MoneyMoney and Tokens of the Civil War (1861-1865)

Encased Postage

Because of the shortage of coins during the Civil War, people began using postage stamps to make change. But with frequent use, the stamps wore out quickly. They also stuck together when the humidity was high. An inventor patented a round metal case with a clear mica window to make it easier to use postage stamps as money. Merchants embossed their advertisements on the backs of these metal cases.