Rare and high-denomination U.S. currency is a fascinating topic, with some of the largest bills ever printed reaching significant value. These bills were once part of everyday transactions, but now they are collectibles worth large sums.
Let’s take a look at some of the largest bills in U.S. history, which have become rare treasures sought after by collectors.
$1,000 Bill
The $1,000 bill featured Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th president of the United States. This bill was used mainly for large transactions, including transfers between Federal Reserve banks. Although no longer in circulation, the $1,000 bill remains highly collectible, with some fetching over $10,000 depending on their condition.
$5,000 Bill
Featuring James Madison, the fourth president and one of the Founding Fathers, the $5,000 bill was printed in limited numbers. These notes were primarily used for large transactions between banks and for government transactions. Today, a $5,000 bill in excellent condition can reach over $100,000 at auction.
$10,000 Bill
The $10,000 bill is one of the rarest denominations still in existence. It features Salmon P. Chase, a U.S. Treasury Secretary during Abraham Lincoln’s presidency. Though mainly used for large bank-to-bank transfers, these bills have become highly valuable today, with some selling for well over $150,000.
$100,000 Bill
Unlike the other bills mentioned, the $100,000 bill was never circulated for public use. This bill featured Woodrow Wilson and was used exclusively for transactions within the Federal Reserve System. While these bills are not legally allowed to be held by collectors, their historical significance makes them a noteworthy mention among U.S. currency.
$500 Bill
Though smaller in value compared to others on this list, the $500 bill is still highly sought after. It featured President William McKinley and was last printed in 1945. While not as rare as the $5,000 or $10,000 bills, a well-preserved $500 bill can sell for thousands of dollars today.
Here’s a summary table of these rare U.S. currency notes:
| Bill Denomination | President Featured | Last Printed | Estimated Current Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1,000 | Grover Cleveland | 1945 | Up to $10,000+ |
| $5,000 | James Madison | 1945 | Up to $100,000+ |
| $10,000 | Salmon P. Chase | 1945 | Up to $150,000+ |
| $100,000 | Woodrow Wilson | 1934 | N/A (Not in public hands) |
| $500 | William McKinley | 1945 | Up to $5,000+ |
FAQs
Are any of these bills still in circulation?
No, all these bills were officially discontinued, and while some may still exist in private collections, they are no longer used in daily transactions.
Can I legally own a $100,000 bill?
No, the $100,000 bill was never released for public circulation and remains illegal for private ownership.
Where can I find these rare bills?
These bills can occasionally be found at auction houses or through specialized currency dealers, but their rarity means they often command a high price.
Why were these bills discontinued?
Large denominations like the $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000 bills were discontinued due to advancements in electronic transfers, which eliminated the need for such high-value currency in daily use.
Are these bills still legal tender?
Technically, some of these bills (such as the $500 and $1,000) are still legal tender, but due to their value as collectibles, they are worth far more than their face value today.
