The $20 bill design has undergone several changes over the years, but one thing remains the same - the iconic portrait of Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States.
The current design of the $20 bill features a portrait of Andrew Jackson on the obverse, or front side, with a vignette of the White House in the background.
The $20 bill is also known for its advanced security features, including a 3D Security Ribbon that weaves its way through the paper, making it nearly impossible to counterfeit.
The Security Ribbon features images of 100 small bells and the words "USA TWENTY" in the color of the American flag.
A fresh viewpoint: 20 Euro Banknote
Design and Features
The design of the 1934 $20 bill is quite interesting. The President's portrait is positioned in the center of the obverse.
The number "20" appears in all four corners of the bill. The Treasury seal and serial numbers are printed in green, with "TWENTY" printed over the former, except for the 1934 and 1934A Hawaii bills, which have them printed in brown.
The obverse of all the 1934 series $20 bills bears the words: "THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR ALL DEBTS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE, AND IS REDEEMABLE IN LAWFUL MONEY AT THE UNITED STATES TREASURY, OR AT ANY FEDERAL RESERVE BANK."
For more insights, see: 20usd in Euro
Features of the
The paper used for the 1934 $20 bills is a combination of 75% linen and 25% cotton, giving them a unique texture.
The bills measure 156 by 66 millimeters, which is the same size as modern $20 bills but smaller than the first $20 bills.
The 1934 series $20 bills have a distinctive design, with the President's portrait in the center of the obverse.
The serial numbers and Treasury seal are printed in green, except for the 1934 and 1934A Hawaii bills, which have brown print and the word "HAWAII" overprinted on both sides.
The 1934 series $20 bills bear the words "THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR ALL DEBTS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE, AND IS REDEEMABLE IN LAWFUL MONEY AT THE UNITED STATES TREASURY, OR AT ANY FEDERAL RESERVE BANK."
Collectors often focus on interesting serial numbers, such as sequential numbers like 12345678 or numbers with repeated digits.
D
The "D" series of bills is a great place to start for collectors. Values for non-star 1934D $20 bills mirror those for the 1934C series.
A very fine example of a 1934D $20 bill is worth around $25. Extremely fine bills can be worth up to $35.
For the 1934D series, uncirculated graded 63 bills are worth around $75.
Guides and Information
The 1934 $20 bill is a fascinating piece of history, and if you're lucky enough to have one, you might be wondering about its value. The 1934B series is similar in value to the 1934 series.
If you're looking to sell your 1934 $20 bill, it's essential to know its value. The 1934B series is similar in value to the 1934 series, so you can expect a similar price range.
Expand your knowledge: Us Cents Value
Harriet Tubman Portrait
Harriet Tubman will replace Andrew Jackson on the face of the $20 bill.
The makeover was announced by U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew. A smaller image of Jackson will appear on the reverse side of the bill along with White House.
Tubman served as an armed scout and spy for the Union Army during the Civil War. She was the first woman to conduct hundreds of African-Americans to freedom through the Underground Railroad.
Tubman's image will be the first woman to grace U.S. paper currency since Martha Washington's portrait briefly appeared on the $1 silver certificate in the late 19th century.
A U.S. dollar coin minted from 1979 to 1981 and again in 1999, featured Suffragist Susan B. Anthony's image.
Check this out: When Will Us Currency Collapse
The Reverse of
The 1934 $20 bill has an engraving of the White House on its reverse side.
The country name appears on a banner above the White House, with the name of the building in small letters underneath.
Each corner of the bill features the digits "20".
The denomination "TWENTY DOLLARS" is printed boldly at the bottom of the bill.
This bill doesn't have the legend "In God We Trust" on it, a phrase that wasn't added to US bills until the 1950s.
Guides
The 1934B series is similar in value to the 1934 series, making it a valuable find for collectors. This is especially true for those who are just starting to build their collection.
Some bills are more valuable than others, and the 1934 series is a great example of this. It's worth noting that the value of a bill can vary depending on its condition and rarity.
If you're lucky enough to find a 1934B series bill, you can expect it to be similar in value to the 1934 series. This means you can use the same valuation guides for both.
Expand your knowledge: Usd Value History Chart
A Hawaii Mule
A mule note is a rare kind of error that makes it very appealing to collectors. It's a bill with an obverse and reverse design never intended to be used together.
Only 43 examples of the 1934A Hawaii $20 mule bill have been certified to date. The finest of these was graded 67 EPQ by the independent currency assessors, Paper Money Guaranty. It sold at auction in 2020 for over $40,000.
The 1934A Hawaii series of $20 bills is quite rare and collectible. A non-star bill is worth $115 to $165 in very fine or extremely fine condition.
For an uncirculated example graded 63, the value is around $500.
Intriguing read: Sell Rare Dollar Bills
Return and Errors
If you're not satisfied with your 20 dollar bill, you can return it to the bank or financial institution where you bought it.
The 20 dollar bill is a legal tender in the United States, and it's guaranteed by the US government.
If you receive a defective or counterfeit 20 dollar bill, you can report it to the authorities.
Return
A star bill is more valuable than a non-star bill, with prices for a very fine note starting at around $90 for the 1934B series.
The presence of a star indicates that the bill was a replacement for one that had been damaged, making it rarer and more valuable.
A 1934B star bill graded 65 EPQ sold at auction in 2016 for £3,290, showing just how valuable these rare notes can be.
The value of a star bill increases with its condition, just like a non-star bill, with circulated examples being less valuable than uncirculated ones.
An uncirculated 1934 star bill graded 63 is worth around $675, compared to $115 for a non-star bill in the same condition.
The grade of the bill also affects its value, with a perfect example graded 70 being worth more than a lower-grade bill.
A circulated 1934 non-star $20 bill in very fine condition is worth around $30, while a circulated 1934B non-star bill in the same condition is worth around $30 as well.
Here's an interesting read: How Could Us Currency Lose Value
The series number and Treasury seal can also affect the value of a bill, with the 1934 series being more valuable than the 1934A series.
A 1934 non-star $20 bill graded 63 is valued at around $115, while a 1934A non-star bill in the same condition is worth around $75.
The condition of the paper and the placement of the margins and registration are also taken into account when grading a bill.
A circulated 1934 non-star $20 bill in extremely fine condition is worth around $50, while a circulated 1934B non-star bill in the same condition is worth around $40.
Errors
Errors can be a fascinating aspect of currency history, and they can sometimes make a big difference in a bill's value.
Some errors are more valuable than others, like the 1934C $20 bill with a misaligned serial number, which was being offered for sale on eBay for $118.
A minor error in the serial number can make a big impact on a bill's value, as seen with the 1934C $20 bill.
Not all error bills are as valuable as mules, which are bills that have a combination of different printings or colors, but they can still be worth a pretty penny.
The 1934C $20 bill with the misaligned serial number was described as "choice, crisp" by the seller, which suggests it was in good condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are they making a new $20 dollar bill?
Yes, a new $20 bill featuring Harriet Tubman is in the works, with a planned debut in 2030. The project was initially accelerated but has since been reaffirmed to follow the original 2030 timeline.
Are there any $20 bills worth money?
Yes, certain $20 bills, particularly those with specific seals and conditions, can be worth thousands of dollars. Learn more about which $20 bills are valuable and how to identify them.
Who will be on the $20 dollar bill in 2030?
Harriet Tubman, an enslaved-liberator and abolitionist, is scheduled to appear on the $20 dollar bill around 2030. She will be the first woman to be featured on the denomination in U.S. currency.
Are old $20 bills still valid?
Yes, old $20 bills are still valid and can be used as a form of payment. They remain a legal form of currency in the United States, regardless of their age.
Sources
- https://bwa-inc.org/portrait-of-harriet-tubman-to-grace-new-20-bill/
- https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/25/us/politics/tubman-20-dollar-bill.html
- https://coinsblog.ws/2018/07/a-look-back-evolution-of-the-20-bill.html
- https://www.coinvaluechecker.com/how-much-is-a-1934-20-dollar-bill-worth/
- https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna3158425
Featured Images: pexels.com