Large Size Notes
It wasn’t until 1928 that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing began making money at its current size. From 1862 – 1923 all paper money was about 40% larger than it is today. Simply enough this currency is known as “large size.” As you might expect values vary hugely, they range from $15 to thousands of dollars.
The guide below shows some of the more common and slightly rarer issues that are widely sought after by modern collectors. The list below is not comprehensive nor are the stated values exact. There are still many factors at play that determine the ultimate value. If you possess one of the notes below and you’d like more information or if you believe you have a large size note that you don’t see below, please contact us: largenotes@oldcurrencyvalues.com We’ll give you a free current market value appraisal and offer our buy price or put you in touch with an end collector.
Large size currency is cataloged by the two signers on the note. The table below features the basic design of the note along with each signer. The two numbers are what the note on average should be worth in very rough condition and in perfect condition. (The information is sorted by denomination)
| 1917 $1 Legal Tender – Extremely Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Teehee |
Burke |
$25 |
$225 |
|
Elliott |
Burke |
$25 |
$225 |
|
|
Elliott |
White |
$25 |
$225 |
|
|
Speelman |
White |
$25 |
$225 |
|
| With exception of the 1923 silver cert, this is the most commonly available $1 large size note. However, if you have a note signed by Burke on the left and Elliott on the right then it will be worth considerably more. | ||||
| 1923 $1 Legal Tender – Extremely Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Speelman |
White |
$65 |
$550 |
| This note is far from rare but it is an extremely popular one year issue. There are many low serial numbered examples available for collectors. There are also some very nice star notes that came from this series. | ||||
| 1896 $1 Silver Certificate – Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Tillman |
Morgan |
$150 |
$1900 |
|
Bruce |
Roberts |
$150 |
$1900 |
|
| This is from the classically popular “educational series.” It can be found fairly easily in low grades, however, nice mid grade and high grade examples are tough and can be pricey. | ||||
| 1899 $1 Silver Certificate – Extremely Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Lyons |
Roberts |
$40 |
$375 |
|
Lyons |
Treat |
$40 |
$375 |
|
|
Vernon |
Treat |
$40 |
$375 |
|
|
Vernon |
McClung* |
$40 |
$375 |
|
|
Napier |
McClung |
$40 |
$375 |
|
|
Napier |
Thompson |
$100 |
$1600 |
|
|
Parker |
Burke |
$40 |
$375 |
|
|
Teehee |
Burke |
$40 |
$375 |
|
|
Elliott |
Burke |
$40 |
$375 |
|
|
Elliott |
White |
$40 |
$375 |
|
|
Speelman |
White |
$40 |
$375 |
|
| The black eagle series is another very affordable popular series. They are usually a large sizers first buy. *if the date 1899 is to the right of the seal on this sig. combo then the note will be worth much more |
||||
| 1923 $1 Silver Certificate – Extremely Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Speelman |
White |
$15 |
$120 |
|
Woods |
White |
$15 |
$120 |
|
|
Woods |
Tate |
$40 |
$600 |
|
|
Thousands of these last of the $1 Silver Certificates still exist. The only rarity is the Woods & Tate signature combination. |
||||
| 1891 $1 Treasury Note – Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Rosecrans |
Nebeker |
$125 |
$1200 |
|
Tillman |
Morgan |
$125 |
$1200 |
|
|
Bruce |
Roberts |
$125 |
$1200 |
|
| This note is not as popular with collectors right now and there are many uncirculated examples available. However, it is still a rarer note for the $1 denomination and can bring strong prices. | ||||
| 1918 $1 Federal Reserve Bank Note – Extremely Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Various |
Various |
$40 |
$375 |
| All 12 federal reserve districts issued these notes. There are many different signature combinations. With two exceptions, they should all be valued between the range stated above. | ||||
$1 Notes Not Pictured: 1862 Legal Tender featuring S.P. Chase. 1869 1874 1875 & 1880 Legal Tenders featuring Washington. 1886 & 1891 Silver Certificates featuring Martha Washington, 1890 Treasury Note featuring Stanton.
-While none of the notes not pictured are especially rare, feel free to contact us for pricing on them
| 1917 $2 Legal Tender – Extremely Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Teehee |
Burke |
$40 |
$350 |
|
Elliott |
Burke |
$40 |
$350 |
|
|
Elliott |
White |
$40 |
$350 |
|
|
Speelman |
White |
$40 |
$350 |
|
| The 1917 $2 is really the only note for the denomination that can be bought for under $500 in uncirculated condition. It was the last large size two dollar note issued. | ||||
| 1891 $2 Silver Certificate – Less Than Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Rosecrans |
Nebeker |
$250 |
$3000 |
|
Tillman |
Morgan |
$250 |
$3000 |
|
| This note suffers from a less than strong collector base. It is not a note you will not be able to buy at will on ebay, however, it can be obtained at other venues fairly easily. | ||||
| 1896 $2 Silver Certificate – Somewhat Rare | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Tillman |
Morgan |
$350 |
$5000 |
|
Bruce |
Roberts |
$350 |
$5000 |
|
| This is another note from the extremely popular “education series.” It seems to always been in demand and considering its beautiful design one can see why. | ||||
| 1899 $2 Silver Certificate – Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Lyons |
Roberts |
$110 |
$1200 |
|
Lyons |
Treat |
$110 |
$1200 |
|
|
Vernon |
Treat |
$110 |
$1200 |
|
|
Vernon |
McClung |
$110 |
$1200 |
|
|
Napier |
McClung |
$110 |
$1200 |
|
|
Napier |
Thompson |
$150 |
$1600 |
|
|
Parker |
Burke |
$110 |
$1200 |
|
|
Teehee |
Burke |
$110 |
$1200 |
|
|
Elliott |
Burke |
$110 |
$1200 |
|
|
Speelman |
White |
$110 |
$1200 |
|
| This note is not necessarily rare but they do tend to bring fairly strong prices despite not being especially hard to find. This deuce makes a nice pair with its black eagle counterpart. | ||||
| 1891 $2 Treasury Note – Less Than Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Rosecrans |
Nebeker |
$175 |
$2250 |
|
Tillman |
Morgan |
$175 |
$2250 |
|
|
Bruce |
Roberts |
$175 |
$2250 |
|
| Treasury notes were only issued for two years, so they tend to always be somewhat in demand. However, this particular note doesn’t currently bring as much money as it probably should. | ||||
| 1918 $2 Federal Reserve Bank Note – Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Various |
Various |
$250 |
$1900 |
| All 12 federal reserve districts issued these notes which feature a battleship on the reverse. This is another very popular series that brings pretty good prices even in low grades because of the constant demand. | ||||
$2 Notes Not Pictured: 1862 Legal Tender featuring A. Hamilton, 1869 1874 1875 & 1880 Legal Tenders featuring T. Jefferson, 1896 Silver Certificate featuring W. Scott, 1890 Treasury Note featuring J. McPherson.
-While none of the notes not pictured are especially rare, feel free to contact us for pricing on them
| 1907 $5 Legal Tender – Extremely Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Vernon |
Treat |
$70 |
$500 |
|
Vernon |
McClung |
$70 |
$550 |
|
|
Napier |
McClung |
$70 |
$500 |
|
|
Napier |
Thompson |
$70 |
$500 |
|
|
Parker |
Burke |
$70 |
$500 |
|
|
Teehee |
Burke |
$70 |
$500 |
|
|
Elliott |
Burke |
$70 |
$750 |
|
|
Elliott |
White |
$70 |
$500 |
|
|
Speelman |
White |
$70 |
$400 |
|
|
Woods |
White |
$70 |
$500 |
|
| This “woodchopper” note is another collector favorite. It is readily available and it is easy to collect all signature combinations. Look to pay $200 for a mid grade example. | ||||
| 1896 $5 Silver Certificate – Rare | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Tillman |
Morgan |
$400 |
$8000 |
|
Bruce |
Robert |
$400 |
$8000 |
|
|
Lyons |
Roberts |
$400 |
$8000 |
|
| This is perhaps the most sought after large size note of all time. It commands strong prices in all grades and someone is always looking to acquire one. If you possess one of these, consider yourself lucky. | ||||
| 1899 $5 Silver Certificate – Less Than Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Lyons |
Roberts |
$350 |
$2750 |
|
Lyons |
Treat |
$350 |
$2750 |
|
|
Vernon |
Treat |
$350 |
$2750 |
|
|
Vernon |
McClung |
$350 |
$2750 |
|
|
Napier |
McClung |
$350 |
$2750 |
|
|
Napier |
Thompson |
$450 |
$4000 |
|
|
Parker |
Burke |
$350 |
$2750 |
|
|
Teehee |
Burke |
$350 |
$2750 |
|
|
Elliott |
Burke |
$350 |
$2750 |
|
|
Elliott |
White |
$350 |
$2750 |
|
|
Speelman |
White |
$350 |
$2750 |
|
| This note is a popular purchase for the beginning collector. It is the only note to feature a Native American. It can be bought in low grades on ebay with ease, however high grade examples are a little tougher to find. | ||||
| 1923 $5 Silver Certificate – Less Than Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Speelman |
White |
$400 |
$3000 |
| This is a one year, one signature combination, completely distinct issue. All that combined means that a lot of collectors are looking for this type. High and low grade examples are available, but not a lot in between. | ||||
| 1914 $5 Federal Reserve Note – Extremely Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Various |
Various |
$30 |
$250 |
| All 12 federal reserve districts issued these notes. They also issued them as red seals; the red seals are worth about 5x more in the higher grades. Some districts and signature combinations are rarer than others. | ||||
$5 Notes Not Pictured: 1861 Demand Notes featuring A. Hamilton, 1862 & 1863 Legal Tenders featuring A. Hamilton, 1869 1875 1878 & 1880 Legal Tenders featuring A. Jackson, 1886 & 1891 Silver Certificates featuring U. Grant, 1890 & 1891 featuring G. Thomas, 1915 & 1918 Federal Reserve Bank Notes featuring A. Lincoln.
-Some of the 5s not pictured are rare, contact us for a pricing quote
| 1880 $10 Legal Tender – Less Than Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Bruce |
Wyman |
$200 |
$2200 |
|
Rosecrans |
Jordan |
$200 |
$2200 |
|
|
Rosecrans |
Hyatt |
$200 |
$2200 |
|
|
Rosecrans |
Houston |
$200 |
$2200 |
|
|
Rosecrans |
Nebeker |
$200 |
$2200 |
|
|
Tillman |
Bruce |
$200 |
$2000 |
|
|
Bruce |
Roberts |
$200 |
$3000 |
|
|
Lyons |
Roberts |
$200 |
$2000 |
|
| This “jackass” note profits from being one of the nickname notes. When turned upside down, the eagle in the center of the note looks like the head of a mule. These still seem to be a bit under the radar. | ||||
| 1901 $10 Legal Tender – Somewhat Rare | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Lyons |
Roberts |
$350 |
$3500 |
|
Lyons |
Treat |
$350 |
$3500 |
|
|
Vernon |
Treat |
$350 |
$3500 |
|
|
Vernon |
McClung |
$350 |
$3500 |
|
|
Napier |
McClung |
$350 |
$3500 |
|
|
Parker |
Burke |
$350 |
$3500 |
|
|
Teehee |
Burke |
$350 |
$3500 |
|
|
Elliott |
Burke |
$350 |
$3500 |
|
|
Speelman |
White |
$350 |
$3500 |
|
| The bison notes are so popular that even most coin collectors want to own one. It features the portrait of Lewis and Clark. There are many nice examples available so it’s okay to be picky on this one. | ||||
| 1923 $10 Legal Tender – Rare | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Speelman |
White |
$600 |
$7500 |
| This is another note that benefits greatly from being a unique design in a one year one signature combination series. These are nicknamed “poker-chips” because of their reverse design. They can also get pricey. | ||||
| 1907 & 1922 $10 Gold Certificates – Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Vernon |
Treat |
$100 |
$1100 |
|
Vernon |
McClung |
$100 |
$1100 |
|
|
Napier |
McClung |
$100 |
$1100 |
|
|
Napier |
Thompson |
$120 |
$1300 |
|
|
Parker |
Burke |
$100 |
$1100 |
|
|
Teehee |
Burke |
$100 |
$1100 |
|
|
Speelman |
White |
$100 |
$900 |
|
| The Speelman-White signature combination is by far the most commonly encountered of this series. This note is quite attractive and the reverse has some of the brightest colors of any large size note. | ||||
| 1914 $10 Federal Reserve Note – Extremely Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Various |
Various |
$40 |
$350 |
| This note was issued by all 12 federal reserve districts. Red seals were also issued and they command about 5x the above values in uncirculated condition. In the blue seal variety they are very common and affordable. | ||||
$10 Notes Not Pictured: Interest Bearing Note featuring S. Chase, Demand Note featuring A. Lincoln, 1862 & 1863 Legal Tenders featuring A. Lincoln, 1869 1875 & 1878 Legal Tenders featuring D. Webster, Compound Interest Treasury Note featuring S. Chase, 1878 & 1880 Silver Certificates featuring R. Morris, 1886 1891 & 1908 Silver Certificates featuring T Hendricks, 1890 & 1891 Treasury Notes featuring P. Sheridan, 1915 & 1918 Federal Reserve Bank Notes featuring A. Jackson.
-Most all of the 10s not pictured should be considered rare, contact us for a pricing quote
| 1880 $20 Legal Tender – Less Than Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Scofield |
Gilfillian |
$450 |
$6000 |
|
Bruce |
Gilfillian |
$350 |
$5000 |
|
|
Bruce |
Wyman |
$200 |
$4000 |
|
|
Rosecrans |
Jordan |
$200 |
$3000 |
|
|
Rosecrans |
Hyatt |
$200 |
$2000 |
|
|
Rosecrans |
Houston |
$200 |
$2000 |
|
|
Rosecrans |
Nebeker |
$200 |
$2000 |
|
|
Tillman |
Morgan |
$200 |
$2000 |
|
|
Bruce |
Roberts |
$200 |
$2000 |
|
|
Lyons |
Roberts |
$200 |
$2000 |
|
|
Vernon |
Treat |
$200 |
$2000 |
|
|
Vernon |
McClung |
$200 |
$2000 |
|
|
Teehee |
Burke |
$200 |
$2000 |
|
|
Elliott |
White |
$200 |
$2000 |
|
| As you can tell by all the signature combinations, this note was printed for many year. It is the most available large size twenty after the 1914 FRN, however it is far from common. | ||||
| 1891 $20 Silver Certificate – Somewhat Rare | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Rosecrans |
Nebeker |
$350 |
$6500 |
|
Tillman |
Morgan |
$350 |
$6500 |
|
|
Bruce |
Roberts |
$350 |
$6500 |
|
|
Lyons |
Roberts |
$350 |
$6500 |
|
|
Parker |
Burke |
$350 |
$6500 |
|
|
Teehee |
Burke |
$350 |
$6500 |
|
| This note is known as the Manning note because it features the portrait of Daniel Manning. It probably deserves to be noted as rare, however its current price levels aren’t as strong as they should be. | ||||
| 1906 & 1922 $20 Gold Certificate – Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Vernon |
Treat |
$175 |
$1400 |
|
Vernon |
McClung |
$175 |
$1400 |
|
|
Napier |
McClung |
$175 |
$1400 |
|
|
Napier |
Thompson |
$175 |
$1750 |
|
|
Parker |
Burke |
$175 |
$1400 |
|
|
Teehee |
Burke |
$175 |
$1300 |
|
|
Speelman |
White |
$175 |
$1250 |
|
| The Speelman White is the only 1922 signature combination and it is by far the most plentiful. Don’t confuse this note with the 1905 “technicolor” issue which is worth about 10x more on average. | ||||
| 1914 $20 Federal Reserve Note – Extremely Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Various |
Various |
$50 |
$450 |
|
This note was issued by all 12 federal reserve banks. Its red seal counterpart is worth considerably more, probably about 5x on average. This is the most common large twenty. |
||||
$20 Notes Not Pictured: Interest Bearing Note featuring A. Lincoln, Demand Note featuring Liberty, 1862 & 1863 Legal Tenders featuring Liberty, 1869 1875 & 1878 Legal Tenders featuring A. Hamilton, Compound Interest Treasury Note featuring A. Lincoln, 1878 & 1880 Silver Certificate featuing S. Decatur, 1886 Silver Certificate featuring D. Manning, 1890 &1891 Treasury Note featuring J. Marshall, 1882 Gold Certificate featuring J. Garfield, 1905 Gold Certificate featuring G. Washington, 1915 & 1918 Federal Reserve Bank Notes featuring G. Cleveland.
-All of the 20s not pictured should be considered to be rare, contact us for a pricing quote
| 1914 $50 Federal Reserve Note – Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Various |
Various |
$150 |
$1800 |
| This note was issued by all 12 federal reserve districts. Red seals were also issued and they command a much higher price. In the blue seal variety low and mid grades are plentiful, high grades are not. | ||||
| 1913 & 1922 $50 Gold Certificate – Somewhat Rare | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Parker |
Burke |
$350 |
$4500 |
|
Teehee |
Burke |
$350 |
$4000 |
|
|
Speelman |
White |
$350 |
$3500 |
|
|
This note is a bit more ellusive of the two featured fifty dollar large size notes. The Speelman/White signature combination is the 1922 variety and it is the most common. |
||||
$50 Notes Not Pictured: There were many other large size $50 notes that aren’t featured above. Considering just how much money $50 was in the late 1800s it’s not surprising that few people could afford to hold on to one. Besides the two issues above, any large size fifty should probably be worth at least four figures.
–If you do possess a large size $50, tell us about it, and we’ll give you a free appraisal
| 1914 $100 Federal Reserve Note – Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Various |
Various |
$300 |
$2200 |
| This note was issued by all 12 federal reserve districts. Red seals were also issued and they command a much higher price. Blue seals are available in all grades. The reverse of this note is a true work of art. | ||||
| 1922 $100 Gold Certificate – Somewhat Common | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Various |
Various |
$400 |
$3750 |
| This note has an 1882 cousin that, depending on the signature combination, is a bit more valuable. Despite the high denomination and retro-look, these notes can be acquired fairly easily. | ||||
$100 Notes Not Pictured: There are several large size one hundred dollar notes that are not pictured. Simply put, other than the two notes pictured above, all $100 notes are rare. There were not many printed for each series and it was rare for an individual not to redeem them.
–If you do possess a large size $100 we’d love to hear about it and give you an appraisal
$500, $1,000, $5,000 & $10,000 Large Size Notes
Notes of the above denominations were printed in large-size; however, they don’t come to market very often. Some are so rare that only a handful are known to exist. Please note our contact information and let us know if you believe you have a high denomination large size note.
