In the view of U.S. paper money, you’ll usually find a distinguished former President gazing back at you from each bill.
However, there are a couple of exceptions that add intrigue to your wallet.
Let’s explore the captivating stories behind the lowest and highest value U.S. paper money bills that don’t bear the image of a president. Keep reading to learn more.
Lowest and Highest Value U.S. Paper Money Bills
Alexander Hamilton
The $10 bill takes the spotlight with a portrait of Alexander Hamilton, a founding father with a remarkable legacy.
Though he never held the presidency, Hamilton played a pivotal role as the Secretary of the Treasury under George Washington.
He was the mastermind behind the U.S. banking system’s creation.
Benjamin Franklin
On the grand stage of U.S. paper money, the $100 bill reigns supreme, displaying Benjamin Franklin’s visage.
Contrary to expectations, this bill bears no presidential image.
In fact, the $100 bill holds the distinction of being the highest value paper currency issued in the United States.
But wait, there’s more to this story! Let’s meet the other U.S. bills that feature former presidents.
Ulysses S. Grant: graces the $50 bill, not only a president (18th, from 1869 to 1877) but also the heroic Commanding General of the Union forces during the Civil War.
Andrew Jackson: is honored on the $20 bill, remembered as the 7th president (1829 to 1837) whose imprint on American history is undeniable.
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. President (1861 to 1865), finds his place on the $5 bill. His leadership during the tumultuous Civil War etched his name in history.
Thomas Jefferson, the third president (1801 to 1809), graces the $2 bill. While not commonly seen in circulation, the $2 bill is a unique piece of U.S. currency.
George Washington, the revered first U.S. President (1789 to 1797) and a military hero of the American Revolution, adorns the $1 bill, a symbol of the nation’s foundation.
One Discontinued Bill Also Featured a Non-President
The above-mentioned paper banknotes are the only denominations currently issued by the United States Government.
However, greater denomination bills were issued in the past, and these bills are still legal cash that can be spent – though they are worth more as collectors’ goods than their face value.
One of these paper bills depicted a non-American President.
Let’s delve into the realm of the past where higher denominations played a part.
Salmon P. Chase found his place on the $10,000 bill, a discontinued denomination from 1969. Chase, who wasn’t a U.S. President, served as the Secretary of the Treasury under Abraham Lincoln.
Other discontinued denominations included
The $500 bill featuring William McKinley, the $1000 bill with Grover Cleveland, and the $5000 bill portraying James Madison.
- The $500 bill, which was last issued in 1969, featured William McKinley. (The bill appears to have been printed for the last time in 1945.) McKinley served as the 25th President of the United States from 1897 until his assassination in 1901.
- The $1000 bill, which was likewise last issued in 1969, featured Grover Cleveland. Cleveland was the 22nd and 24th President of the United States, serving from 1885 to 1889 and again from 1893 to 1897. Cleveland is the first President of the United States to have served two non-consecutive terms.
(Between Cleveland’s two terms, Benjamin Harrison served as President. Harrison defeated Cleveland in the 1888 election, with Harrison winning the Electoral College despite Cleveland having a greater popular vote total.
- The $5000 banknote, which was likewise last issued in 1969, featured James Madison. Madison was the fourth President of the United States, serving from 1809 to 1817
- Also $100,000 bill also exists, though never in the hands of the public. It showcased Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President (1913 to 1921), and was solely used for transfers between U.S. Federal Reserve Banks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as we unravel these stories, it’s evident that U.S. paper money carries tales beyond mere value. Each bill connects us to figures who shaped the nation’s course, regardless of whether they served as presidents or not.
Reference
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banknote
Frequently Asked Questions
Which US bill does not have a president on it?
The $10 bill is one of only two bills without a portrait of the president. The other one is a $100 bill.
What is the highest value US paper currency?
However, there are seven denominations of paper currency in the United States: $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Larger denomination bills, such as $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000, are no longer issued by the United States.
Which paper bills are worth money?
Collectors are currently competing for notes with greater denominations. The $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000 Federal Reserve notes that were created between 1928 and the 1940s are fetching record prices, according to Johnson. A $10,000 note was among them, and it sold for a record-breaking $456,000 last year.