National Currency

Backed by bonds deposited with the Federal Government, this kind of money says "National Currency" at the top center of the note. These notes were issued by banks who received a Charter from the United States government allowing them to issue money. The Government Printing Office printed these notes with the same design except for the name of the banks, signatures of the bank officers and the Charter number. National Currency notes were made from 1863 to 1929.

The 1929 notes are the only small size notes and come in two types. The Type I note has a brown seal with the charter number only in large black numerals. Type 2 notes have in addition the charter number printed with brown letters near the serial number of the note.

Today, collecting National Currency notes is very popular and a lively collector market exists. However, there were more than 14,000 issuing banks all over the United States making this a very complex area to value. You should take your note to a numismatic expert that has access to a special register of these banks. This register lists how many notes were printed as well as the number outstanding when the bank was closed. It also lists approximate prices that these notes are worth.

The most common National Currency notes seen are worth 100% to 400% above face value in average circulated condition.