Did you know that some $20 bills from the 1920s are worth much more than the value printed on them? These rare bills can sell for thousands of dollars at auctions, making them highly sought after by collectors. If you find a $20 bill from this period, you might be holding onto a small fortune. In this article, we’ll look at 7 rare $20 bills from the 1920s that are extremely valuable. We’ll also explain what makes these bills so special and how you can check if you have one.
Why Are These $20 Bills So Valuable?
Before we get into the specific bills, let’s first understand why some $20 bills from the 1920s are so valuable. The value of these bills depends on several factors, including their rarity, condition, and unique features. For example, bills that were printed in limited quantities, or those with printing errors, are worth more than regular ones. The age of the bills, along with their historical significance, also makes them more valuable to collectors.
The 1923 $20 Bill – The “Horse and Rider” Note
One of the most famous rare $20 bills from the 1920s is the 1923 “Horse and Rider” note. The front of this bill shows a large portrait of a horse rider, while the back features a picture of a horse. These bills were part of the “Gold Certificate” series and were only printed for a short period. Due to their short run and unique design, these bills can be worth up to $5,000 or more in perfect condition.
1928 $20 Bill – The “Silver Certificate”
Another rare $20 bill from the 1920s is the 1928 “Silver Certificate.” Silver Certificates were issued by the U.S. government and were backed by silver reserves. They have a distinctive blue seal and serial numbers, which make them easy to identify. Some of these bills have become highly valuable because they were printed in limited quantities and are considered a historical part of U.S. currency. A 1928 Silver Certificate in excellent condition can be worth $3,000 or more.
1929 $20 Bill – The “National Bank Note”
The 1929 $20 bill is another rare and valuable piece of currency. This bill was part of the “National Bank Note” series, which was issued by national banks across the United States. These bills were not printed by the U.S. Treasury, making them highly collectible. Depending on the bank that issued the bill and its condition, a 1929 $20 National Bank Note can be worth anywhere from $500 to $2,000 or more.
1923 $20 Bill – “Red Seal” Series
The 1923 $20 bill also comes in the “Red Seal” series. These bills were issued by the U.S. Treasury and have a red seal, which is what makes them stand out from other bills from the same time period. The red seal bills were used as part of the U.S. government’s efforts to raise money during the 1920s, and they are often in high demand by collectors. A 1923 Red Seal $20 bill in excellent condition can fetch anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000.
1928 $20 Bill – “Star Notes”
“Star Notes” are another type of rare $20 bill. These notes were printed as replacements for bills that were damaged or misprinted during the printing process. Star Notes are considered valuable because they are rare, and collectors look for these unique bills. If you have a 1928 $20 Star Note, it could be worth up to $3,500 or more, depending on its condition.
1929 $20 Bill – “Educational Notes”
The 1929 $20 bill from the “Educational Notes” series is another rare and valuable bill. These notes are called “Educational Notes” because they feature educational themes, with images of historical figures such as Martha and George Washington. The design of these notes is unique and makes them a favorite among collectors. If you find one of these bills in good condition, it can be worth between $2,500 and $6,000.
1923 $20 Bill – “Gold Certificate”
Finally, the 1923 $20 bill from the “Gold Certificate” series is one of the most sought-after notes by collectors. These bills were backed by gold, which made them valuable at the time. The design is very different from the regular $20 bills you see today, with intricate details and a gold seal. A 1923 Gold Certificate $20 bill in excellent condition can be worth as much as $15,000.
Table: Rare $20 Bills from the 1920s
| Bill Type | Year | Description | Value Range (Condition Dependent) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horse and Rider Note | 1923 | Gold Certificate with horse rider design | $5,000 or more |
| Silver Certificate | 1928 | Blue seal and serial numbers | $3,000 or more |
| National Bank Note | 1929 | Issued by national banks | $500 – $2,000 |
| Red Seal Series | 1923 | Red seal for U.S. Treasury notes | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Star Notes | 1928 | Replacements for misprinted bills | $3,500 or more |
| Educational Notes | 1929 | Featuring historical figures | $2,500 – $6,000 |
| Gold Certificate | 1923 | Backed by gold, very intricate design | Up to $15,000 |
Conclusion
If you come across a $20 bill from the 1920s, it’s worth taking a closer look. Some of these bills are rare and can be extremely valuable, especially if they are in excellent condition. The unique designs, such as the Horse and Rider, Red Seal, and Gold Certificates, make these bills highly sought after by collectors. Whether you have a Silver Certificate or an Educational Note, these bills could be worth thousands of dollars. Always remember to check the condition of the bill, as the better the condition, the higher its value.
FAQ’s
1. What makes a $20 bill from the 1920s valuable?
The value of these bills depends on their rarity, condition, and historical significance. Some bills were printed in limited numbers or have unique features, making them highly collectible.
2. How much is a 1923 Horse and Rider $20 bill worth?
A 1923 Horse and Rider $20 bill can be worth up to $5,000 or more, depending on its condition.
3. What is a Star Note?
A Star Note is a replacement bill printed for damaged or misprinted bills. These notes are rare and highly valuable to collectors.
4. How can I tell if my $20 bill from the 1920s is a Red Seal series?
Look for a red seal on the bill. Red Seal bills were part of a special series issued by the U.S. Treasury in the 1920s.