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Saturday, June 28, 2025

The Largest Denomination of American Currency

US $100,000.00 bill

The largest denomination of U.S. currency ever issued was the $100,000 bill. However, it's essential to note that these high-denomination bills were primarily used for transactions between Federal Reserve Banks and were not circulated among the general public.

$100,000 Bill - Woodrow Wilson:

The $100,000 bill features a portrait of Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, who served from 1913 to 1921. This bill was part of the Gold Certificate series of 1934 and was never intended for public circulation. The main purpose of such high-denomination bills was to facilitate large transactions between Federal Reserve Banks, particularly during the early to mid-20th century.

Key Characteristics:

  • Front Design: The front of the $100,000 bill features a portrait of Woodrow Wilson.
  • Back Design: The back of the bill is adorned with an image of the U.S. Capitol.

Discontinuation and Collectibility:

In 1945, as part of efforts to combat money laundering and other illicit financial activities, the U.S. government officially discontinued the issuance of high-denomination bills, including the $100,000 bill. Although these bills remain legal tender, they are extremely rare and are primarily held by collectors or housed in museum collections.

Other High-Denomination Bills:

Apart from the $100,000 bill, the United States has issued other high-denomination bills, including the $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000 bills. Like the $100,000 bill, these denominations were primarily used for transactions between banks and were phased out of circulation in 1945.

Key Characteristics:

  • Portraits: Various Presidents, historical figures, and allegorical representations were featured on these high-denomination bills.
  • Design Elements: Each bill had unique design elements, and the back of the bills often showcased different scenes or symbols.

Legal Tender Status:

While these high-denomination bills are no longer in circulation, they remain legal tender, and it is possible for collectors to acquire them through auctions or from currency dealers. However, due to their rarity and historical significance, these bills are highly sought after by numismatists and can command high prices in the collector's market.

It's worth noting that currency-related information may change, and new developments could occur after this post. If you're interested in the most up-to-date information, I recommend checking with authoritative sources or experts in numismatics and currency collecting.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model

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