Odd denominations of the currency were often printed because of the lack of small change. To lower costs, many bills were not printed on the reverse side. Each bill was usually numbered and signed individually by hand to discourage counterfeiting.
During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress, in need of money, but unable to impose tax, printed huge amounts of currency to finance the war. So much paper money caused the Continental currency to rapidly depreciate; by 1781, the paper was exchangeable for coin at a rate of $225 in paper for a $1 coin.
