We all know about those certain pieces of currency – the ones that weren’t very valuable during their original production, but gained value over time. For example, you might have a penny from the 1800’s that’s now worth $500. Or maybe you own a rare $2 bill that’s now worth over a grand.
However, there’s something about being able to own a bill with a high number on it, even if it isn’t all that valuable now. You know, the “big bills.” We like seeing high numbers on money. It’s more impressive. Check out these “big-bill” pieces of currency with a high numerical value:
$100 1929 Federal Reserve Note F+ – Depression Era Currency
They’re dated 1929, but they were actually issued at the height of the depression (1933). It’s important to know that these notes were not exchangeable for gold or silver.
To the left of Benjamin Franklin reads the text “Will Pay To The Bearer On Demand One Hundred Dollars”. Like the $100 bills nowadays, the back of the note shows Independence Hall. However, the windows are less apparent. Buy it here.
100 Trillion Dollar Zimbabwe Note 2008
Zimbabwean currency ranks among our most popular items. The Zimbabwe economy went through a tough period in the mid – late 2000’s. Hyperinflation led to the production of various multi-trillion dollar bills. The 100 trillion dollar note, minted in 2008, signaled the downfall of the economy. Although they’re worth nothing remotely close to 100 trillion $USD, they’re still a popular collector’s item. Buy it here.
500,000 VND Five Hundred Thousand Vietnam Dong Banknote
Similar to the 100 Trillion Dollar Zimbabwe Note, this piece of currency is not worth as much as it looks. In theory, it’s not actually a “big bill”. However, it’s still one of the most collectable world currencies.
Since 1978, the dong has been Vietnam’s currency. Both the front and back of the note have the term “Nam Tram Nghin Dong”, which means five hundred thousand dong. The word “dong” is a Vietnamese term used for any currency, and you can add the name of a country alongside of it. Buy it here.
$1000 1934 Federal Reserve Note Green Seal Federal Reserve Large Note VF
Talk about a valuable piece of currency. So valuable, in fact, that it’s currently backordered in our store. The front of the note displays a picture of President Grover Cleveland. The back of the note, despite its value, features one of the most basic designs there is.
Fewer than 68,000 of these notes were printed. According to USARare.com, as of May 30, 2009, there were 165,372 $1000 bills being used.
Fun fact: According to currencies.wikia.com, the 100,000 banknote is the highest-denominated piece of paper money ever produced in the U.S.A. It was never publicly circulated. Read more about it here.
Gary Dyner is the owner of Great American Coin Company. Connect with him on Google+.