Blue note money refers to rare and collectible United States banknotes printed before the 1950s. Let’s explore the history and significance of these unique pieces of currency.
What are the characteristics of blue note money?
Blue note money has several distinctive features that set it apart from modern US currency:
- Color – Older banknotes had blue tints and hues, hence the “blue note” nickname.
- Large size – Blue note bills were bigger than today’s bills, measuring 3.125 inches wide by 7.4218 inches long.
- Intricate designs – Elaborate engravings and imagery were hand-sketched onto the notes.
- Rarity – Most blue notes are not readily available today since many were destroyed or lost over time.
Why is it called blue note money?
Early US paper currency was printed with blue fibers in the paper as an anti-counterfeiting measure. When observed from certain angles, these blue fibers made the bills appear to have a bluish tint or hue, hence the nickname “blue notes.”
The blue fibers were made of silk and were randomly distributed throughout the paper. Modern scanning and printing methods have made this old anti-counterfeiting technique obsolete.
When were blue notes printed?
Blue notes originated in the 1860s following the establishment of national banks during the Civil War. However, most blue notes in the hands of collectors today were printed between the 1860s and 1950s.
Some key periods for blue note production include:
- 1861-1865 – Demand Notes printed to finance the Civil War
- 1928-1934 – Small Size Currency printed during the Great Depression
- 1934-1950 – Silver Certificates redeemable for silver bullion
After 1950, most paper money was printed on blend of cotton and linen without blue fibers. This marked the end of the classic “blue note” era.
What are some noteworthy blue note denominations?
Blue notes were produced across a variety of denominations, from $1 up to $10,000. Here are some of the most popular blue notes for collectors today:
| Denomination | Key Details |
|---|---|
| $1 silver certificate | Features ornate back design with pyramid eye |
| $2 red seal note | Has portrait of Thomas Jefferson |
| $5 silver certificate | Depicts Abraham Lincoln and U.S. flag |
| $10 gold certificate | Orange back design shows founding fathers signing constitution |
| $20 gold certificate | Has engraved vignette of eagle perched amid sun rays |
| $100 gold certificate | Portrait of Benjamin Franklin; largest circulated blue note |
High denomination notes like $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000 bills were mainly used for interbank transfers and are exceptionally rare today.
What types of blue note money exist?
There are four primary types or series of antique blue notes printed over the years:
- Demand Notes (1861-1865) – First widely circulating paper currency; issued to fund Civil War costs
- United States Notes (1862-1971) – Originally called Legal Tender Notes; first national fiat currency
- Silver Certificates (1878-1964) – Backed by and redeemable for silver bullion
- Gold Certificates (1863-1933) – Backed by and redeemable for gold bullion until 1933
Each series features distinctive designs and historical figures. For example, Gold Certificates have orange or yellow backs while Silver Certificates have blue seals and serial numbers.
What are some key design elements on blue notes?
Vintage blue notes featured ornate and artistic engravings that make each denomination unique. Some iconic design elements include:
- Intricate geometric patterns
- Allegorical motifs and figures representing concepts like commerce, justice, or liberty
- Portraits of founding fathers, presidents, and statesmen
- Depictions of important events, documents, or symbols from American history
- Borders, scrollwork, and floral elements
- Vignettes of mythological gods, animals, or nature scenes
These detailed engravings were painstakingly sketched and etched by hand onto metal plates. The complexity and craftsmanship stand in stark contrast to the simplified designs of modern currency.
Why are some blue notes rare and valuable to collectors?
A number of factors contribute to the rarity and value of certain blue note banknotes:
- Low surviving populations – Many blue notes were destroyed or lost over decades of circulation and use.
- High denominations – Larger bills like $500, $1,000, and $10,000 notes had limited distribution.
- Star notes – Special replacement notes have a star symbol and extra collectibility.
- Exceptional condition – Crisp, uncirculated notes in mint condition are scarce.
- Interesting back stories – Notes with uniquePedigrees or provenance have historical significance.
For these reasons, certain blue note specimens and type sets can be valued at over $10,000 for a single bill. However, many common blue notes can still be found for $20 or less.
What are some of the rarest blue notes?
Here are a few examples of exceptionally rare blue notes that fetch huge premiums among collectors and historians:
- 1869 Rainbow $5 United States Note – Only 6 known examples; valued around $140,000
- 1918 $500 Federal Reserve Bank Note – 12 survive today; worth up to $150,000
- 1922 $1,000 Gold Certificate – Only 35 in collector hands; priced around $175,000
- 1934 $10,000 Federal Reserve Note – Only 165 printed; auctioned in 2016 for $165,000
- 1934 $5,000 Federal Reserve Note – Lowest circulation of any $5,000 bill at only 54 notes; worth over $200,000
Of course, condition heavily affects pricing and notes in poor shape will trade for far less. But pristine specimens of these rare blue notes are highly coveted by advanced collectors.
How much are common blue notes worth?
For blue notes with larger surviving populations, you can expect to pay:
- $25 to $75 for common $1 and $2 large size notes
- $50 to $200 for modest condition $5 and $10 bills
- $300 to $600 for lightly circulated $20 gold certificates
- $1,000 to $3,000 for average quality $100 gold certificates
Star notes typically cost 1.5 to 2 times more than regular notes of the same type and denomination. And prices are much higher for rare bankname and district seal varieties. Consult a value guide catalogue for specifics.
What should you look for when collecting blue notes?
Here are some important aspects to evaluate when acquiring blue notes:
- Grade and condition – Heavily worn or damaged notes are less desirable.
- Centering and margins – Well-centered design with wide, balanced margins is ideal.
- Color and embossing – Strong color and clearly visible engraved lines add appeal.
- Signatures – Notes signed by famous treasury officials can impact value.
- Series date and variety – Subtle differences in seals, text, and dates matter.
Carefully examining these quality factors helps determine the collectibility and price of a blue note. It takes training and experience to accurately grade blue notes.
How can you find blue notes for your collection?
There are many sources for locating vintage blue notes:
- Local coin shops and dealers at collectible shows
- Specialized paper money dealers and auction houses
- Online auction marketplaces like eBay
- Banknote trade conventions and major auctions
- Inherited collections and family memorabilia
It’s advisable to buy only from reputable, verified sellers when starting out. Be wary of counterfeits and altered notes.
What is the future outlook for collecting blue notes?
Blue notes remain popular among paper money collectors. However, some factors to consider about the future include:
- Values for common material may stagnate as supply saturates collector demand.
- Rare high denomination notes should continue to realize healthy prices at auction.
- More discoveries of buried stashes may unearth new inventory.
- Grading standards are maturing, allowing prices to stabilize.
- Digital replicas might satisfy some collector interest going forward.
- A younger generation of collectors is showing interest in paper money.
In general, the blue note market faces a stable long-term outlook as this classic paper money endures as an important artifact of US history.
Conclusion
Blue note money represents a unique period of American currency before modern design and printing techniques took hold. The elaborate craftsmanship, complex engravings, and hand signatures make vintage federal notes popular among collectors. While some rare specimens trade for astronomical prices, many common blue notes can still be acquired for modest sums. These notes transport viewers back in time and will remain enduring symbols of the nation’s rich financial history.