Revolutionary Currency - The Continentals
Revolutionary money was referred to as 'Continentals' - the paper money issued by the Continental Congress. Coins were so scarce during the period of the American Revolution the 'Continentals' (Revolutionary currency) was the only money in circulation. Anyone refusing to accept the money was branded a traitor.

Colonial, Continental and Revolutionary Currency
The history of Colonial, Continental and Revolutionary Currency (Continentals) is very interesting. The early explorers and colonists hoped to find gold and silver in America, just had the Spanish had done in South America. No gold or silver was found in Colonial America but there were many other valuable raw materials such as iron ore, cotton, timber and tobacco. Without the raw materials of gold and silver it was not possible to mint many coins in the thirteen colonies. Foreign coins like the Spanish dollar were widely circulated together with English and French currencies. So the early Americans Americans were forced to use English, Spanish and French money. Silver or gold coins were referred to as 'Hard Currency'.

Colonial, Continental and Revolutionary Currency - Types of Colonial Currency
The thirteen colonies were therefore in the situation where they could print paper money (which did not have the backing of and gold reserves) or engage in trade using raw materials in exchange for goods that were scarce in the colonies. There were therefore 3 common types of currency in the 13 colonies:

• Commodity currency - Raw materials were exchanged for other goods - no currency or money changed hands
• Hard Currency or money (gold and silver coins - also called specie)
• Paper money or currency that was printed in America