The paper currency issued by the United States government to help finance the Union forces during the Civil War. The unique thing about greenbacks is that they were not backed by gold.

The Resumption Act made it possible to convert greenbacks back into gold.

Green"back" (?), n.

One of the legal tender notes of the United States; -- first issued in 1862, and having the devices on the back printed with green ink, to prevent alterations and counterfeits.

 

© Webster 1913.

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