The figure on the $10,000 bill, the largest U.S. note ever in public circulation, is: Salmon P. Chase. He was the U.S. Treasury Secretary under President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War.
🔹 Who was Salmon P. Chase?
U.S. Treasury Secretary under President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War
Later served as Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
Known for helping to create the national banking system and introducing paper currency (“greenbacks”)
🔹 About the $10,000 Bill:
First issued in 1918 (with Chase’s portrait)
Used primarily for bank transfers, not everyday spending
Last printed in 1945, officially discontinued in 1969
Still legal tender, but extremely rare and collectible
Current Collector Value of the $10,000 Bill
A 1934 $10,000 bill, uncirculated and of exceptional quality, recently fetched a staggering $480,000 at a Heritage Auctions event during the Long Beach Expo in Dallas.
This sale set a new record, surpassing the prior high of $384,000 from 2020.
The auctioned bill was notable for its Exceptional Paper Quality (EPQ) and top-tier grading by the Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) — making it a true prize for collectors.
Why It Commands Such High Value
Rarity: As of 2009, only about 336 of these $10,000 bills were known to exist.
Historical Significance: Issued during the Great Depression and discontinued in 1969, these high-denomination notes were used mainly for inter-bank transfers—not for common circulation.
Condition & Grading: Bills graded as “PMG 64 EPQ, Choice Uncirculated” or better are especially prized.
Collector Demand: Large-denomination notes consistently attract serious interest from collectors at all levels .
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Additional Insight
Some less exceptional examples may sell for around $300,000, particularly if they’re uncirculated but not graded as top-tier.
An interesting historical anecdote from JPMorgan Chase shows that a 1934 $10,000 bill was once discovered in a bank’s archive and valued (though at an earlier time) between $50,000 and $85,000—highlighting how grading and market demand affect price.
In Summary
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Top-grade uncirculated (e.g. PMG 64 EPQ) | ~$480,000 (recent record) |
| Uncirculated, but lower grade | ~$300,000 |
| Good condition or known example | Tens to hundreds of thousands |
Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply fascinated by its value, the $10,000 bill represents a fascinating blend of history, rarity, and artistry.
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