In 1865, the night before Lincoln's second inauguration, Congress passed a bill for a three cent coin to be struck in copper nickel. Since 1851, the U.S. Mint had been striking a three cent coin in 90% silver. Due to massive hoarding of coins during the Civil War, there was no way to make change and quick remedies such as tokens and fractional paper money were unpopular. The new nickel three cent piece was an overwhelming success and was struck for the next 24 years.