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The $500 US currency has a rich history, and its worth is more than just its face value. The largest denomination of US currency ever printed was the $100,000 Gold Certificate, but the $500 bill is still a notable piece of history.
The $500 bill was last printed in 1945 and officially discontinued in 1969. This is because it was considered a target for counterfeiters. The bill's large denomination made it an attractive target for counterfeiters, and the government decided to stop printing it.
The $500 bill was designed to be a high-denomination note, featuring a portrait of William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States. McKinley was a prominent figure in US history, serving as President from 1897 until his assassination in 1901.
History of $500 US Currency
The $500 US currency has a rich history.
In 1918, the Federal Reserve Note with a denomination of $500 was issued.
The obverse image of this note features a portrait of John Marshall.
He was a significant figure in American history, serving as the fourth Chief Justice of the United States.
The Federal Reserve Note of 1918 was authorized by the Federal Reserve Act of December 23, 1913, as amended by the Act of September 26, 1918.
This amendment was made just a few months before the note was issued.
The note is also notable for its reverse text, which features a depiction of Desoto discovering the Mississippi.
This image is a significant part of American history, representing the exploration of the New World.
The $500 Federal Reserve Note of 1918 was redeemable in gold on demand at the Treasury Department of the United States.
This meant that the note could be exchanged for gold at the Treasury in Washington, D.C.
The physical description of the note is quite interesting, measuring 8 cm x 19 cm x .01 cm.
This is a relatively small size for a currency note, but it was sufficient for its time.
Value and Worth
The value of a $500 bill can vary greatly depending on its condition, rarity, and other factors. A Choice Fine condition bill can fetch between $800 and $1,200, while a Very Fine condition bill can sell for $1,200 to $1,600.
The condition of the bill is a significant factor in determining its value. A bill in Extremely Fine condition can command prices of $1,600 to $2,200 or more.
In addition to condition, the series of the note can also impact its value. The series of 1928 might be scarcer than the series of 1934 and 1934A, making the former more valuable to collectors.
The quantity of issue can also affect the value of a $500 bill. The majority of the bills were issued by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, while Minneapolis is scarcer and more valuable.
Here's a breakdown of the estimated value of a $500 bill based on its condition:
- Choice Fine condition: $800-$1,200
- Very Fine condition: $1,200-$1,600
- Extremely Fine condition: $1,600-$2,200
- Uncirculated condition: $4,000 or more
Current Proposals and News
Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., has introduced legislation to put former President Trump on a $500 Federal Reserve note.
The last version of a $500 bill featured a portrait of President William McKinley and was printed in 1945.
The denomination was discontinued 24 years later, according to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
Gosar's bill is called the "Treasury Reserve Unveiling Memorable Portrait (TRUMP) Act."
As Bidenflation continues to devalue our currency, the issuance of $500 bills featuring President Trump by the Treasury offers several practical advantages.
These $500 Trump bills will become highly sought after, generating revenue for the government through increased demand for numismatic items.
Collectors often covet currency with unique designs and historical significance, and bills featuring the very popular 45th President will attract considerable attention from collectors.
This will no doubt create a market for the $500 Trump bills far beyond their face value and increase the seigniorage earnings of the government, thus increasing overall revenues.
Description and Characteristics
The $500 US currency is a large denomination note that's no longer printed or circulated in everyday transactions. It's a rare sight to see one in person.
The $500 note features a portrait of President William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, on the obverse side. He served from 1897 until his assassination in 1901.
The note's reverse side showcases a vignette of the United States Treasury Building in Washington, D.C. This iconic building has been the seat of the US Treasury Department since 1869.
The $500 note measures 7.56 inches by 3.13 inches, making it slightly larger than other US currency denominations. This size difference is noticeable when holding one in your hand.
The $500 note is no longer printed or circulated due to its high value and potential for money laundering. It's estimated that over 1.5 billion $500 notes were printed between 1934 and 1945 alone.
Sources
- https://collectiblescurrency.com/collections/500-five-hundred-dollars-bill
- https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/nation/2024/06/22/arizona-us-rep-paul-gosar-bill-create-donald-trump-500-dollar-bill/74163052007/
- https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/nmah_1839753
- https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/convert/
- https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/house-republican-proposes-put-president-trump-500-bill
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