A Piece of American Financial History: The Final One Hundred Dollar United States Note

This listing offers a remarkable and historically significant piece of American currency. It is a Series 1966 One Hundred Dollar United States Note, also known as a Legal Tender Note. Featuring the iconic portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and Independence Hall on the reverse, this note is a highly collectible piece of United States currency. It is designated as legal tender for all debts, public and private.

This note, with serial number A 00701600 A, represents the final chapter of the United States Note series. It is from the last issue of this denomination, which was printed for a brief period between 1966 and the early 1970s before being discontinued.

Historical Context: The United States Note

United States Notes were first introduced during the Civil War in 1862 as a form of fiat currency, known popularly as greenbacks. They were issued by the United States Treasury directly into circulation and were distinct from Federal Reserve Notes, which are issued by the Federal Reserve System.

The One Hundred Dollar denomination was not issued when United States currency was switched to the small-size format in 1928. It was not until 1966 that the Treasury Department decided to print a new One Hundred Dollar United States Note to meet a statutory obligation to maintain a specific amount of these notes in circulation. The decision to print a high-denomination note was a practical way to meet this obligation without having to print tens of millions of lower-denomination notes.

These notes were issued with a striking red United States Treasury Seal and red serial numbers, contrasting with the green seals of Federal Reserve Notes. The 1966 Series One Hundred Dollar note features the signatures of Granahan and Fowler. Although the Treasury discontinued the issuance of United States Notes in January 1971, existing notes remain valid legal tender today.

Design and Specifications

The obverse of this note features the portrait of Benjamin Franklin, one of the most revered figures in American history and a familiar presence on United States currency. The reverse displays a vignette of Independence Hall, a site of profound national significance. The note bears the distinctive red Treasury Seal and red serial numbers that set it apart from modern currency. The signatures of Granahan as Treasurer and Fowler as Secretary of the Treasury appear on the face.

Product Specifications

Denomination: 100 Dollars
Year: 1966
Series: 1966
Type: United States Note (Legal Tender Note)
Obverse: Portrait of Benjamin Franklin
Reverse: Vignette of Independence Hall
Treasury Seal and Serial Numbers: Red
Signatures: Granahan and Fowler
Serial Number: A 00701600 A
Friedberg Reference: Fr. 1550

Why This Note Deserves a Place in Your Collection

This is an end of an era, a note from the last series of United States Notes, making it a historic piece of currency that is no longer issued. It features a low print run, with just over 768,000 notes printed, making it a scarce issue that is highly sought after by collectors. It displays a distinctive design, with the red seal and serial numbers representing a unique feature compared to modern green-seal Federal Reserve Notes. Most of all, it represents the final chapter of a 109-year legacy of United States Treasury-issued paper money, a tangible connection to a tradition that began during the Civil War and ended in the twentieth century.

This note is more than currency. It is a piece of American financial history, offering a rare glimpse into a bygone era of paper money. For the discerning collector, it represents a truly significant and desirable acquisition.

The auction is live. Notes of this caliber do not appear often. Place your bid and secure this remarkable piece of history for your collection.

Dimensions:
Height 3, Width 6, Depth 0.01 inches
Weight 0.002 lbs

Condition:
Very Good, with some handling wear and creasing consistent with age and circulation.

Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.

• Low Estimate: 600
• High Estimate: 900