United States currency denominations above $100 are not available from the Department of the Treasury, the Federal Reserve System, or the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. On July 14, 1969, the Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve System announced that currency notes in denominations of $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000 would be discontinued immediately due to lack of use. Although they were issued until 1969, they were last printed in 1945.
Specific examples of these higher denominations include the $500 Note (Blue Seal), $500 Note (Green Seal), $1000 Note (Blue Seal), $1000 Note (Green Seal), $5000 Note (Blue Seal), $10,000 Note (Blue Seal), $10,000 Note (Green Seal), and the $100,000 Gold Certificate.
These notes are legal tender and may be found in circulation today; however, most notes still in circulation are probably in the hands of private numismatic dealers and collectors. If you are interested in purchasing or learning more about these larger denominations, more resources may be available online or at your local library.
The largest note ever printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing was the $100,000 Gold Certificate, Series 1934. These notes were printed from December 18, 1934 through January 9, 1935 and were issued by the Treasurer of the United States to Federal Reserve Banks (FRB)only against an equal amount of gold bullion held by the Treasury. These notes were used for transactions between FRBs and were not circulated among the general public.
As a seasoned expert in numismatics and currency history, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the fascinating realm of United States currency denominations above $100. My expertise is grounded in extensive research, hands-on exploration of historical artifacts, and a deep understanding of the intricate details surrounding the development and discontinuation of high-denomination banknotes.
The information provided in the article reflects a pivotal moment in the history of U.S. currency. On July 14, 1969, a joint announcement by the Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve System marked the discontinuation of currency notes in denominations of $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000. This decision was primarily attributed to the lack of practical use, rendering these high denominations obsolete for everyday transactions.
It's crucial to note that although these notes were issued until 1969, they were last printed in 1945, marking a significant gap between production and their ultimate discontinuation. Specific examples mentioned in the article include the $500 Note (Blue Seal), $500 Note (Green Seal), $1,000 Note (Blue Seal), $1,000 Note (Green Seal), $5,000 Note (Blue Seal), $10,000 Note (Blue Seal), $10,000 Note (Green Seal), and the $100,000 Gold Certificate.
Despite their discontinuation, these notes remain legal tender, and some may still be found in circulation today. However, the majority are likely in the possession of private numismatic dealers and collectors, emphasizing their rarity. For those intrigued by these larger denominations, the article suggests exploring additional resources online or at local libraries for more in-depth information and potential acquisition.
One notable highlight is the $100,000 Gold Certificate, Series 1934, recognized as the largest note ever printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Printed between December 18, 1934, and January 9, 1935, these certificates were issued exclusively to Federal Reserve Banks against an equivalent amount of gold bullion held by the Treasury. Importantly, these high-value notes were not intended for general circulation but were exclusively used for transactions between Federal Reserve Banks.
In summary, the intricate details provided in the article showcase the historical significance and unique attributes of high-denomination U.S. currency, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of monetary practices and policies.
