During the American Civil War (1861-1865), both the Union and the Confederacy issued their own currencies to finance the war efforts. The Union used greenbacks, which were paper notes backed by the government, while the Confederacy issued its own paper money, often referred to as Confederate dollars. These currencies were used to pay soldiers and purchase supplies, but their value fluctuated significantly due to inflation and lack of backing. The use of Civil War currency led to a complex financial situation, as both sides struggled with economic instability. Many people resorted to bartering goods and services, while others hoarded precious metals like gold and silver. Ultimately, the war's end saw the collapse of the Confederate currency, while the Union's greenbacks became a stable form of money in the post-war economy.