How much is a banknote worth? (2024)

FAQs

How much is a banknote worth? ›

Most circulated Federal Reserve Notes from more modern series are worth no more than face value. Some of the early series notes (1928 and 1934) do carry a small premium, although for circulated notes this premium is small, usually 10% to 30%.

“A serial number '1' for a 1976 $2 bill would be worth $20,000 or more. But [for] a majority of those people holding 1976 $2 bills, they are only worth face value. There are very few that actually exceed face value.” Other high-value serial numbers include what collectors call “solid” or “ladders.”

Today, the notes generally sell for pounds 100-pounds 200 each, but rare items can change hands for over pounds 1,000. For those with an interest in historical events, a note issued during the French Revolution may appeal - a 1795 example can be secured for around pounds 6.

Unless it has a unique feature, like a low serial number or misprint, a newer $2 bill likely isn't worth much more than $2, even if it's uncirculated.

While rare serial numbers often generate interest, banknotes will only ever be worth their face value to us.

Moreover, only a small percentage of $1000 bills were printed with unique serial numbers or in error, making them even more valuable and desirable among collectors. In fact, a $1000 bill can be purchased between $2000 and $6000 dollars on the market, depending on its condition and grading.

If the $2 bill was minted and printed before 1976, it would likely be worth more than its face value on the collectibles market. In some cases, it might be worth only $2.25. The highest value is $4,500 or more for uncirculated notes from 1890, although most of those bills range in value from $550 to $2,500.

If your $2 bill dates back to 1886 and has a red seal with a silver certificate, you're in luck. That bill is worth $4,500. A number of other iterations of the $2 bills with a red seal can also fetch well over a $1,000. Bills with brown seals are also very valuable.

A well-worn 1957 $1 Silver Certificate that isn't graded by PCGS Banknote but has no rips, tears, or stains is usually worth around $1.50 to $2. Heavily worn 1957 $1 bills, such as those that are rag-like in appearance, are discolored, and/or have handwriting are generally worth only face value.

What makes a banknote valuable? ›

Like most collectables, the value of banknotes is directly linked to condition, grade, rarity and desirability. Flawless uncirculated banknotes are usually worth more than their circulated counterparts. Well-centred notes also tend to be of greater value, due to their greater desirability among collectors.

Old bank notes can fetch thousands of dollars from dealers and collectors if they are in good or mint condition and feature rare or early serial numbers.

“A serial number '1′ for a 1976 $2 bill would be worth $20,000 or more. But for a majority of those people holding 1976 $2 bills, they are only worth face value. There are very few that actually exceed face value.”

A newer bill with a green one is likely worth face value. With a red seal, the value generally starts to go up. Age is also a huge factor. If you're looking for a high dollar $2 bill, it would be pre-1900, and it would have to be in a very high condition graded condition," said Pinto.

A banknote—also called a bill (North American English), paper money, or simply a note—is a type of negotiable promissory note, made by a bank or other licensed authority, payable to the bearer on demand.

Currency collectors in the United States are willing to pay up to $150,000 for rare $1 bills that feature a particular printing error, according to the Wealthy Nickel. Batches of dollar bills printed in 2014 and 2016 slipped into circulation after a misprint by the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing went overlooked.