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If you're a collector or just starting to learn about rare US dollar bills, you're in for a treat. The 1890 Grand Watermelon Note is one of the rarest and most valuable US dollar bills in existence, with only a handful of examples known to exist.
The 1890 Grand Watermelon Note is a $100 bill featuring a unique design that earned it its nickname. It's a real showstopper, with a distinctive large zero in the lower right corner of the bill.
The 1896 $100 Gold Certificate is another highly sought-after rare US dollar bill. It features a unique vignette of Lady Liberty and a beautiful gold seal, making it a true collector's item.
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What Are Rare US Dollar Bills Worth?
Rare US dollar bills can be worth a pretty penny, especially if they're in good condition. A 100-dollar bill from before 1928 can be worth at least $300 in good condition.
The value of a 100-dollar bill depends on several factors, including its age, condition, and rarity. If the bill is from before the Federal Reserve standardized the design in 1929, it tends to be rarer and more valuable.
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Some of the most valuable 100-dollar bills are from the 1800s, such as the 1863 United States Note, which can be worth $12,500 to $25,000 in circulated condition. The 1869 United States Note is also highly valuable, with a circulated value of $11,500 to $25,000.
The condition of a bill is crucial to its value. A bill that's been circulated a lot will be worth less than one that's been kept in pristine condition. Look for crisp edges, minimal wrinkles and rips, and sharp printing.
Here are some examples of rare 100-dollar bills and their values:
The large notes from the 1800s are particularly valuable, with some fetching prices in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Types of Rare US Dollar Bills
Silver certificate dollar bills, issued in the late 1800s, are a unique type of rare US dollar bill. They were originally redeemable for a certain amount of silver, but no longer carry monetary value as an exchange for silver.
Large and small certificates exist, with large certificates issued from 1878 to 1923 measuring over seven inches long and three inches wide. Silver certificates issued from 1928 to 1964 measured the same size as modern-day US currency.
Silver certificates can be worth more than their face value, especially if they are in good condition and have unique serial numbers or printing errors. Their value is not directly correlated to their size or denomination.
Some of the most valuable rare US dollar bills include the $10 bill from 1861, known as the "Demand Note", which is highly sought after by collectors. The $10 bill from 1880, referred to as "Legal Tender", is also extremely rare and valuable, with only two known specimens in exceptional condition.
Here are some of the most valuable rare US dollar bills:
Understanding
Understanding the value of rare US dollar bills can be a fascinating topic. The rarity of a bill can be determined by its age, condition, and unique features.
The age of a bill is a significant factor in determining its value. Older bills, especially those from the 19th century, are highly sought after by collectors and can be sold at auctions for amounts that surpass most properties.
Unique serial numbers can also increase the value of a bill. Numbers that form patterns or sequences are particularly valuable, making them a rare find.
Printing errors can also add to the value of a bill. Misprints or unusual features can make a bill stand out from the rest.
In fact, the $10 bill from 1861, often referred to as the "Demand Note", is a highly sought-after item among collectors. Its rarity is underscored by the fact that only a few examples remain in good condition.
A bill's condition is also crucial in determining its value. Bills that have been preserved without wear and tear are highly prized by collectors.
Here are some factors that can affect the value of a rare US dollar bill:
- Age: Older bills, especially those from the 19th century.
- Unique Serial Numbers: Numbers that form patterns or sequences.
- Printing Errors: Misprints or unusual features.
- Limited Editions: Bills from limited print runs or special series.
- Pristine Condition: Bills that have been preserved without wear and tear.
The history of US currency is also an interesting topic. The Coinage Act of 1873 ended free coinage for silver, effectively ending bimetallism and placing the United States on the gold standard.
Denominations
Silver certificates were issued in various denominations, ranging from $1 to $1,000.
The value of large-sized silver certificates issued through 1923 ranged between $1 and $1,000.
The designs of these certificates varied and depicted former presidents, first ladies, vice presidents, founding fathers, and other notable figures.
All small-sized silver certificates depict the portraits of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, or Alexander Hamilton.
The value of a silver certificate is not directly correlated to its size or denomination.
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Got What They're Looking For?
If you think you've got a rare $10 bill, you might be onto something. CoolSerialNumbers is currently selling some bills worth as much as $5,000. The $10 bill from 1861, often referred to as the “Demand Note,” is a highly sought-after item among collectors, with only a few examples remaining in good condition.
A $10 bill made in 1880, referred to as “Legal Tender,” is one of the most rare and valuable banknotes, with only two known specimens existing in exceptional condition. It's a highly sought-after item among collectors.
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If you're wondering what makes a $10 bill valuable, it's often the rarity of the bill, unique serial numbers, printing errors, limited editions, or pristine condition. A $10 bill from 1915 is part of the Federal Reserve Bank series and is considered extremely rare, with only 29 known specimens in any condition.
Some bills are worth thousands of dollars, like the $20 bill made in 2009, which sold for $5,581, or the rare $2 bill, which sold for nearly $30,000.
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Rare $100 Bills
Rare $100 Bills have some truly unique characteristics that make them stand out from the rest. Large notes, like those from the 1860s, can be worth over $300 in good condition.
The value of these rare bills is largely determined by their age, with earlier bills being more valuable. In fact, the 1863 $100 gold certificate (Fr. 1166c) is one of the rarest and most valuable, with only three known examples.
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Some rare $100 bills have distinctive features that make them highly sought after by collectors. The 1882 $100 gold certificate (Fr. 1202a), for example, has a bright gold reverse and gold accents on the front.
To give you a better idea of the value of these rare bills, here are some examples of their worth:
These are just a few examples of the many rare $100 bills out there. If you're interested in learning more, be sure to check out the value chart in Example 7 for even more information!
$100 Value Chart
A rare $100 bill can be a real treasure, but it's essential to know what you're looking at. The value of these bills can vary greatly depending on their age, condition, and rarity.
The 1863 $100 bill, for example, is a highly sought-after collectible. Its value can range from $12,500 to $25,000 in circulated condition, while uncirculated examples can fetch up to $35,000 and more.
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If you're on the lookout for rare bills, it's a good idea to keep a value chart handy. Here's a quick rundown of the values for some notable $100 bills:
As you can see, the values for these bills can be quite substantial. The key is to know what you're looking at and to research the market to get a fair price.
5 Ultra 100
If you're lucky enough to stumble upon a rare 100-dollar bill, you might be wondering what makes it so valuable. One thing to consider is the age of the bill - if it's from before the Federal Reserve standardized the design in 1929, it tends to be rarer and more valuable.
Older bills, especially those from the 19th century, can be worth a pretty penny. Take the $10 bill from 1861, for example, which is highly sought after by collectors and can be sold at auctions for amounts that surpass most properties.
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Unique serial numbers can also add to a bill's value. Numbers that form patterns or sequences can make a bill more valuable, and some bills even have printing errors that make them stand out.
Here are 5 ultra-rare 100-dollar bills that are worth noting:
• 1882 Gold Certificate (Fr. 1202a) - only 3 known examples exist
• 1863 100-dollar bill - worth at least $12,500 in good condition
• 1890 Treasury Note - worth between $50,000 and $100,000
• 1878 Silver Certificate - too rare to estimate its value
• 1882 Gold Certificate (Fr. 1202a) - sold for $822,500 in 2014
These bills are just a few examples of the many rare 100-dollar bills out there. If you're lucky enough to find one, you might be in for a surprise!
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$100 1863
A 100-dollar bill from 1863 is a real treasure. Only three $100 1863 gold certificates with Friedberg number 1166c are known to collectors, and two of those are owned by the Smithsonian.
These bills are not only incredibly rare but also historically important, dating back to one of the earliest years paper money was produced in the US. One example in extremely fine condition with both hand signatures and engraved signatures sold for a staggering $2,115,000 in 2013.
The legal tender note from the same year, the $100 1863 Legal Tender (Fr. 167a), isn't quite as rare, but it's still very valuable. Only seven uncirculated examples are known for any of the Friedberg numbers, and one sold for $305,500 in 2013.
Here are some key facts about the rarity and value of $100 1863 bills:
- Only three $100 1863 gold certificates with Friedberg number 1166c are known to collectors.
- Seven uncirculated examples of the $100 1863 Legal Tender (Fr. 167a) are known for any of the Friedberg numbers.
- One $100 1863 gold certificate sold for $2,115,000 in 2013.
- One $100 1863 Legal Tender (Fr. 167a) sold for $305,500 in 2013.
$100 1878
The $100 1878 silver certificate is a rare find, with only four known examples in existence. It's considered one of the most valuable 100-dollar bills out there.
These certificates were issued in 1878 and are extremely rare, making them highly sought after by collectors. Condition is key when it comes to the value of this bill.
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A very fine example of the $100 1878 silver certificate sold for a whopping $660,000 in 2018. This just goes to show the value that collectors place on these rare bills.
The value of a silver certificate is contingent on the condition and year issued, and the $100 1878 is no exception.
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$100 1890 Treasury Note
The $100 1890 Treasury Note is a rare and valuable find. Only about 40 examples are known to exist.
This note is affectionately called a "watermelon note" due to the shape and color of the 0s on the back of the bill. They resemble watermelons, which is where the name comes from.
An uncirculated example of this note sold at auction for $356,500 in 2005.
Frequently Asked Questions
What $2 bill is worth $4,500?
An uncirculated $2 bill from 1890 can be worth up to $4,500 or more, according to the USCA, if it was minted and printed before 1976
Sources
- https://www.investopedia.com/articles/markets-economy/090116/what-silver-certificate-dollar-bill-worth-today.asp
- https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/rare-1-bills-printing-error-could-worth-thousands-still-out-there
- https://www.lovetoknow.com/home/antiques-collectibles/rare-100-dollar-bills
- https://www.wcpo.com/money/consumer/dont-waste-your-money/rare-dollar-bills-worth-serious-money
- https://www.elmira.es/en/10-dollars-bills-worth-a-lot-money-value/
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