Money usually moves fast, but some bills stand still—preserved and fiercely pursued. Their value lies not in spending, but in the legacy they hold. With unique designs and rare origins, these notes have become icons of American financial history. Explore 10 such rare dollar bills whose collector value far exceeds their original face amount.
The Legendary 1890 Grand Watermelon $1,000 Treasury Note
Most people will never hold a $1,000 bill, which makes the 1890 Grand Watermelon Treasury Note legendary. Just seven remain, with only three in private hands. Its quirky nickname comes from the oversized green zeros on the back, a detail that fuels collector obsession.
The Ultra-Rare 1891 Red Seal $1,000 Treasury Note
Imagine holding a piece of history almost no one else can claim. This unique note features a portrait of Civil War hero General George Meade, sometimes triggering a bidding frenzy. Only two are known to exist, with just one available to collectors. It sold for an impressive $2,585,000 at a 2013 auction.
The Coveted 1890 $100 Watermelon Treasury Note
In 2020, a Choice Uncirculated note from the famed “Watermelon” series sold for $372,000. The series included more than just large denominations and became instantly recognizable for its rounded zeros. With only 35 examples surviving, collectors face an enormous challenge tracking one down.
The Scarce 1878 $50 Silver Certificate
These notes weren’t meant for everyday use, making their survival extraordinary. Issued mainly for bank or government transactions, very few were ever circulated. According to the PMG Population Report, only two are known to exist, and in May 2024, one sold for $312,000.
The Historic 1880 $1,000 Legal Tender Note
A quick glimpse at this rare bill reveals a significant figure in New York history: DeWitt Clinton. An example fetched $360,000 in early 2023 and holds the highest grade among its surviving counterparts. With only 14 examples known, and one in a museum, these notes are exceptionally hard to find.
The Iconic 1934 $10,000 Federal Reserve Note
You might think notes like this disappeared long ago, but some were used much more recently. One of these gems sold for $432,000 in an auction in May 2024. The $10,000 bill was a tool for large transfers between banks during the Great Depression, and it displays the portrait of Salmon P. Chase.
The Elusive 1934 $5,000 Federal Reserve Note
President James Madison, a founding father, is portrayed on this incredible bill. Like its larger counterpart, it was used for transfers between banks, so most people never saw one. The note is tied for the finest-graded among all surviving examples.
The Treasured 1874 $1 United States Note
What gives a simple $1 bill such remarkable value? Collectors point to crisp black ink and a bold red floral frame that sets it apart. Dating to the era when the United States moved toward the gold standard, preserved notes are scarce. One particularly pristine example recently sold for $26,400 in 2025.
The Remarkable 1861 $20 Demand Note
Long before the Bureau of Engraving and Printing came into being, the Union issued a note to fund its Civil War effort. More than a financial tool, it carried the weight of conflict and commerce alike. Today, only eight remain, their scarcity elevating the note into one of America’s earliest treasures.
The Exquisite 1882 $100 Gold Certificate
With only two known examples, the hand-signed bill stands as a true rarity. During the Gilded Age, gold-backed certificates offered a direct link to tangible wealth. Collectors were reminded of that legacy in 2022 when one drew $750,000 at auction, its orange reverse highlighting Thomas Hart Benton’s portrait in bold detail.
