5 Rare 20-Dollar Bills Worth As Much As a Used Car

Did you know that some 20-dollar bills are worth way more than their face value? That’s right—depending on factors like age, serial number, and printing mistakes, some $20 bills can be worth as much as a used car. Before spending that twenty on lunch, take a moment to check if it’s worth a lot more! Let’s explore the rare 20-dollar bills that could be hiding in your wallet.

20-Dollar Bill Value Chart

Here’s a handy chart to help you figure out if your 20-dollar bill is valuable. It lists different years, types, seal colors, and the estimated value of each bill in circulated and uncirculated conditions.

Year	Type	Size	Seal Color	Circulated Value	Uncirculated Value
1861	Demand Note	Large	Red	$14,000 – $20,000	N/A
1862	United States Note	Large	Red	$1,750 – $3,500	$4,500 and up
1863	Interest Bearing Note	Large	Red	$3,500 – $7,000	N/A
1869	United States Note	Large	Red	$1,750 – $3,900	$4,500 and up
1875	United States Note	Large	Red	$900 – $1,800	$2,700 and up
1890	Treasury Note	Large	Red	$3,000 – $7,000	$12,500 and up
1915	National Currency	Small	Blue	$1,500 – $2,800	$4,000 and up
1922	Gold Certificate	Small	Gold	$175 – $375	$800 and up
1929	National Currency	Small	Brown	$35 – $55	$200 and up
1935	Federal Reserve Note	Small	Green	$35 – $65	$115 and up
1963	Federal Reserve Note	Small	Green	$25 – $40	$60 and up
1985	Federal Reserve Note	Small	Green	$22	$24 and up
1993	Federal Reserve Note	Small	Green	$22	$30 and up
2009	Federal Reserve Note	Small	Green	$20	$21 and up

How Much Is a 20-Dollar Bill Worth?

Every 20-dollar bill is worth at least $20. But some can be worth thousands of dollars! Bills made before 1914, especially the large notes, often start at $300 in value and go much higher. Factors that affect the value of a 20-dollar bill include:

• Condition: A well-preserved bill with no wear or tear is worth more.
• Age: Older bills, especially large notes, are usually more valuable.
• Misprints: Mistakes like misaligned seals or repeated serial numbers can make a bill more valuable.
• Serial Numbers: Some serial numbers are rare and can add value. For example, low numbers or patterns like palindromes (numbers that read the same forward and backward) can be sought after by collectors.

Five of the Rarest 20-Dollar Bills to Watch For

Here are some of the rarest and most valuable 20-dollar bills you might come across:

1. 1861 Demand Note: This was the first year the $20 bill was issued. Only 22 are known to exist, and one sold for $72,000 in 2020.
2. 1869 Legal Tender Note: Bills from this year are highly valuable. One in excellent condition sold for $50,400 in 2024.
3. 1863 Legal Tender Note: This rare bill sold for $19,200 in uncirculated condition in 2023.
4. 1873 Legal Tender Note: One in near-perfect condition fetched $13,800 at auction in 2023.
5. 1875 Legal Tender Note: With only 67 known examples, these are super rare, and one sold for $4,600 in 2024.

Which 20-Dollar Bill Serial Numbers Are Valuable?

Some serial numbers on 20-dollar bills can increase their value. Here’s what to look for:

• Repeating numbers: If the same digits repeat in the serial number, collectors might pay more for it.
• Low serial numbers: Bills with low numbers, like 00000001, are usually worth more.
• Palindromes: Serial numbers that are the same forward and backward are often more collectible.
• Star notes: A star in the serial number means the bill was a replacement for one that was damaged. These are rare and more valuable.

Conclusion

20-dollar bills are not just for spending! Some bills can be worth a lot more if they are rare or have special features like unique serial numbers. It’s worth taking a second look at your twenties before handing them over. Collectors love bills with misprints, low serial numbers, or special historical significance, so make sure to check yours carefully. If you think you have a valuable bill, consider having it appraised for a more accurate value.

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