Are you a rare currency dealer, or are you thinking about becoming an active buyer/seller in this market? If so, the first and most important factor to be aware of is value. It takes a lot of time and research to become a master collector, and many people have failed in their efforts (despite their hopes of making a significant profit) precisely because they commit to transactions blindly. An untold number of currency notes have been printed over the course of our nation’s history, some of which are worth next to nothing these days and others that are the coveted cream of the crop that every collector is aware of. One bill that was printed in mass quantities and in several series is the $20 note. Whether you are just starting out in the rare currency industry or are an established buyer/seller, having some of these notes in your collection is always a good idea.
One word of advice; if you are ever fortunate enough to come across an 1863 $20 gold certificate never let it out of your sight. Due to their age and scarcity in the market, these notes are considered the rarest around and some have been reportedly sold at prices well over $100,000. This is 5,000 times the bill’s initial value when it was first printed! Although the majority of collectors will never have one of these in their possession, knowing how to spot one could mean the difference between striking it rich and going home empty-handed. As a means of offering some further insight into the matter and to give you a leg up over your competition, here is a brief list of some of most and least valuable $20 notes (that crumpled up $20 bill in your wallet may will probably suffice).
For Better or for Worse: $20 Bills to Know About
- The 1863 $20 gold certificate; the best of the best in terms of value and scarcity, these notes were printed during the Civil War and very few exist today. Many early history bills featured various designs and patterns, but these are exceptionally unique.
- 1905 $20 gold certificate; also referred to as the Technicolor note due to its bright-colored face, this bill was only issued for one year. As such, it is a rare piece and ranges in value from $2,000 and upward depending on condition.
- 1914 $20 blue seal federal reserve notes and 1922 $20 gold certificates; given the mass quantities in which these notes were printed, they continue to be very common and are subsequently worth much less than their rarer counterparts.
Remember, the value of old money varies considerably from note to note, so be sure to speak with a professional currency dealer if you are not sure about the value of a specific piece.