Loading Spinner
Coin, Money & Stamp Categories

Banknotes of the United States

Coin, Money & Stamp Categories


Early banking in the United States was largely decentralized. Although there were several attempts at a central bank, notably by Alexander Hamilton in 1791, none of them persisted for more than 20 years. The first centralized banknotes were printed in 1914. From 1914 to 1928, United States banknotes were much larger than they are today. They were only slimmed down to their modern profile in 1928 when the Federal Reserve had to lessen operating costs.

The modern $1 note debuted in 1963, although it had existed sporadically prior as a silver certificate. The $2 note existed as a large note prior to 1928's redesign and survived until 1966, at which point it was discontinued temporarily. The $2 note was revived in 1976 and continues to be printed today despite its rare usage.

Since 2003, the Federal Reserve has been slowly revising the various denominations of banknotes. Newer notes have increased amounts of color, as well as a sleeker, more modern look and increased security against counterfeiting. The $1 and $2 notes have yet to be redesigned.


Quick Facts

  • The $1 note's continued survival is still debated today. Many politicians wish to see the note replaced with a $1 coin, as it would save a lot of money due to the low durability and high use of the $1 in particular
  • Although many people are unaware of the $2 note's existence, it has been turning up more as a convenient and unique tip in recent years
  • In 2014, an 1890 $1,000 note known as the Grand Watermelon sold at auction for $3,290,000

Recommended Items at Auction

See all items

bp parity badge
RARE!! 1934 $1000 MULE GREEN SEAL FEDERAL RESERVE BANK NOTE FR. 2211-L
Feb 23, 9:00 AM MST
RARE!! 1934 $1000 MULE GREEN SEAL FEDERAL RESERVE BANK NOTE FR. 2211-L
by Bradford's
Est: $0- $0
$2,35016 Bids
1918 "Flying Eagle" Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, GA $1 National Currency Grades Select CU FR-724
Feb 17, 1:30 PM EST
1918 "Flying Eagle" Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, GA $1 National Currency Grades Select CU FR-724
by Key Date Coins
Est: $2,500- $5,000
$1,90013 Bids
bp parity badge
1914 $5 BLUE SEAL FEDERAL RESERVE LARGE BANK NOTE FR.871-A
Feb 23, 9:00 AM MST
1914 $5 BLUE SEAL FEDERAL RESERVE LARGE BANK NOTE FR.871-A
by Bradford's
Est: $0- $0
$19013 Bids
bp parity badge
1934 $100 GREEN SEAL FEDERAL RESERVE BANK NOTE FR. 2152-D
Feb 23, 9:00 AM MST
1934 $100 GREEN SEAL FEDERAL RESERVE BANK NOTE FR. 2152-D
by Bradford's
Est: $0- $0
$12012 Bids
bp parity badge
LOT OF 11 ASSORTED 1950 GREEN SEAL FEDERAL RESERVE BANK NOTES
Feb 23, 9:00 AM MST
LOT OF 11 ASSORTED 1950 GREEN SEAL FEDERAL RESERVE BANK NOTES
by Bradford's
Est: $0- $0
$13012 Bids
1875 Lab Tested 24k Gold $10 U.S. Banknote
Feb 21, 10:30 AM EST
1875 Lab Tested 24k Gold $10 U.S. Banknote
by South Florida Auction & Estate Sale Services
Est: $6- $1,000
$305 Bids
1918 $5 National Currency Grades vf+ City
Feb 17, 1:30 PM EST
1918 $5 National Currency Grades vf+ City
by Key Date Coins
Est: $339- $678
$3752 Bids
1902 First Wisconsin $5 National Lg. Currency Note
Feb 28, 10:00 AM EST
1902 First Wisconsin $5 National Lg. Currency Note
by Devin Moisan Auctioneers, Inc.
Est: $200- $400
$1502 Bids
1863 Civil War 24k Gold Clad $100 U.S. Eagle Banknote
Feb 21, 10:30 AM EST
1863 Civil War 24k Gold Clad $100 U.S. Eagle Banknote
by South Florida Auction & Estate Sale Services
Est: $6- $1,000
$61 Bid
1875 Vineland Lab Tested 24k Gold $5 U.S. Banknote
Feb 21, 10:30 AM EST
1875 Vineland Lab Tested 24k Gold $5 U.S. Banknote
by South Florida Auction & Estate Sale Services
Est: $6- $1,000
$61 Bid
1902 $100 Waukesha National Bank Note
Feb 19, 5:00 PM CST
1902 $100 Waukesha National Bank Note
by Gold Standard Auctions
Est: $1,305- $11,000
$1,3000 Bids
1875 Lab Tested 24k Gold Clad $100 Banknote
Feb 21, 10:30 AM EST
1875 Lab Tested 24k Gold Clad $100 Banknote
by South Florida Auction & Estate Sale Services
Est: $6- $1,000
$60 Bids
1875 Lab Tested 24k Gold Clad $20 Banknote
Feb 21, 10:30 AM EST
1875 Lab Tested 24k Gold Clad $20 Banknote
by South Florida Auction & Estate Sale Services
Est: $6- $1,000
$60 Bids
1875 Lab Tested 24k Gold Clad $50 Banknote
Feb 21, 10:30 AM EST
1875 Lab Tested 24k Gold Clad $50 Banknote
by South Florida Auction & Estate Sale Services
Est: $6- $1,000
$60 Bids
$1 BANK OF WASHTENA ANN ARBOR, MI NOTE
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
$1 BANK OF WASHTENA ANN ARBOR, MI NOTE
by Vintage Auctions
Est: $50- $100
$100 Bids
1902 $5 NATIONAL BANK NOTE
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
1902 $5 NATIONAL BANK NOTE
by Vintage Auctions
Est: $180- $250
$100 Bids
STATE OF GEORGIA $1 OBSOLETE NOTE
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
STATE OF GEORGIA $1 OBSOLETE NOTE
by Vintage Auctions
Est: $70- $140
$100 Bids
STATE OF GEORGIA $3 OBSOLETE NOTE
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
STATE OF GEORGIA $3 OBSOLETE NOTE
by Vintage Auctions
Est: $45- $85
$100 Bids
MILLED GEVILLE GEORGIA $20 OBSOLETE NOTE
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
MILLED GEVILLE GEORGIA $20 OBSOLETE NOTE
by Vintage Auctions
Est: $40- $80
$100 Bids
BANK OF AUGUSTA $20 OBSOLETE NOTE
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
BANK OF AUGUSTA $20 OBSOLETE NOTE
by Vintage Auctions
Est: $45- $90
$100 Bids
BANK OF AMERICA $1 OBSOLETE NOTE
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
BANK OF AMERICA $1 OBSOLETE NOTE
by Vintage Auctions
Est: $100- $200
$100 Bids
1918 $1 NATIONAL CURRENCY, CLEVELAND
Feb 20, 10:00 AM EST
1918 $1 NATIONAL CURRENCY, CLEVELAND
by Vintage Auctions
Est: $250- $400
$100 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Banknotes of the United States


Vintage Auctions

Vintage Auctions

Bradford's

Bradford's

Key Date Coins

Key Date Coins