Fractional currency notes were issued by the United States Federal Government during and after the U.S. Civil War due to the hoarding and shortage of coins in gold, silver and copper in denominations of 3, 5, 10, 15, 25 and 50 cents. These notes were in use until 1876 and were redeemable by the U.S. Postal Office at face value in postage stamps. A controversy arose concerning the third issue of the 5-Cent Notes, when Spencer M. Clark, the first superintendent of the National Currency Bureau (now the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing) had his portrait printed on the fractional note, a practice subsequently barred by law. (the currency can portray notable U.S. citizens only after at least two years have followed the subject's death).