About Michael Troy Expertise I can answer just about any question on early American History. My specialties are the American Revolution through the Civil War/Reconstruction. I also have greater expertise in matters relating to military, political or legal history.
Experience I have lectured at George Washington University regarding the Civil War, as well as several elementary school Civil War demonstrations. I was also a member of a Civil War reenactment group for about 10 years.
Education/Credentials J.D. University of Michigan
B.A. George Washington University
Question Do you know when confedrate money stopped being legal tender or when they stopped printing Confederate bills?
Answer Hi Ray,
The US never considered Confederate money to be legal tender. The Confederacy was an illegal rebellion with no legal governmental authority. So when the North won the war in 1865, the Confederate currency became worthless.
Most printing of Confederate money stopped when the Confederate printing press in Charlston, SC was destroyed in Februrary 1865. However, another smaller press was set up and continued printing fore a few more months.
Over time, the money became worth less and less since as the South's chances of winning the war lessened, people realized a greater risk that it would become worthless. Confederate paper was worth .95 cents on the dollar in gold when first issued. By 1863, its value had dropped to 33 cents in Gold. When Gen. Lee surrendered on April 9, 1865 it was trading at 1.6 cents by Appomatox. May 1, 1865 was the last active trading in Confederate notes at 1,200.for a U.S.Gold $1.00.
