{"id":8639,"date":"2026-07-05T04:19:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-05T04:19:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/findbullionprices.com\/blog\/?p=8639"},"modified":"2026-07-05T04:22:28","modified_gmt":"2026-07-05T04:22:28","slug":"red-seal-note-values","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/findbullionprices.com\/blog\/red-seal-note-values\/","title":{"rendered":"Red Seal Dollar Bills: Values by Denomination and Series"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you have a dollar bill with a red treasury seal and red serial numbers, you are holding a United States Note — a type of US currency that predates the Federal Reserve Notes in your wallet today. The government issued United States Notes from 1862 through 1971, making them the longest-running class of American paper money. They are still legal tender at face value, but most are worth more than face to collectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the small-size format used since 1928, only four denominations were printed with red seals: the $1, $2, $5, and $100. The $1 was issued in a single series. The $2 and $5 were printed across multiple series from 1928 through 1963. The $100 came last, in 1966 only, and was the final United States Note ever produced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Identify a Red Seal Note<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Red seal notes look similar to modern currency but have two features that stand out immediately. The treasury seal on the right side of the face is printed in red rather than the green used on Federal Reserve Notes. The serial numbers are also printed in red. These markings identify the bill as a United States Note (also called a Legal Tender Note), which was backed by the general credit of the US government rather than by gold<\/a> or silver<\/a> reserves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other colored seals you may encounter on older bills include blue seals (silver certificates<\/a>) and yellow or gold seals (gold certificates<\/a>). The color tells you what kind of note you have, and each type has its own collector market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

$1 Red Seal (Series 1928)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 1928 $1 is the only small-size one dollar bill ever printed with a red seal. Just 1,872,012 notes were produced, all from a single series with no letter suffixes. The back features what collectors call the “funnyback” design — a distinctive ornamental pattern that differs from the familiar Great Seal layout used on later $1 bills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of the low print run and the fact that it is a one-year-only issue, the 1928 $1 red seal trades at a strong premium in all conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1928 $1 Red Seal Values<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Type<\/th>Good-VG<\/th>Fine<\/th>VF-XF<\/th>Uncirculated<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
1928 Standard<\/td>$50 — $80<\/td>$100 — $150<\/td>$175 — $250<\/td>$300 — $500+<\/td><\/tr>
1928 Star Note<\/td>$200 — $400<\/td>$500 — $800<\/td>$1,100 — $2,500<\/td>$5,000 — $35,000<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Star notes (serial numbers ending in a star symbol) are replacement notes printed in very small quantities. The 1928 $1 red seal star is one of the most valuable small-size US notes — even a well-worn example starts around $200, and gem uncirculated pieces have sold for five figures. Centering and margins matter at the high end: a perfectly centered uncirculated note will bring a significant premium over one that is off-center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

$2 Red Seal (Series 1928 — 1963)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The $2 red seal was printed across more series than any other denomination, making it the most available and the most varied. There are eight 1928-dated series (1928, 1928A through 1928G), four 1953-dated series (1953, 1953A, 1953B, 1953C), and two 1963-dated series (1963, 1963A). The differences between sub-series are primarily the Treasury officials whose signatures appear on the note.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a broader look at all $2 bills including the green seal Federal Reserve Notes issued from 1976 to today, see our $2 bill value chart<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1928 Series $2 Red Seal Values<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The 1928-series $2 notes are the oldest and generally the most valuable of the red seal twos. Rarity varies by letter suffix — the 1928G is the most common, while the 1928B and 1928E are scarce in all grades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Series<\/th>Good-VG<\/th>Fine-VF<\/th>Uncirculated<\/th>Star Note (VF)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
1928<\/td>$10 — $20<\/td>$25 — $60<\/td>$100 — $200<\/td>$100 — $200<\/td><\/tr>
1928A<\/td>$15 — $30<\/td>$40 — $80<\/td>$150 — $250<\/td>$200 — $500<\/td><\/tr>
1928B<\/td>$20 — $50<\/td>$75 — $150<\/td>$300 — $800<\/td>$2,500+<\/td><\/tr>
1928C<\/td>$10 — $25<\/td>$30 — $75<\/td>$100 — $250<\/td>$75 — $200<\/td><\/tr>
1928D<\/td>$10 — $20<\/td>$25 — $60<\/td>$80 — $200<\/td>$60 — $150<\/td><\/tr>
1928E<\/td>$15 — $40<\/td>$50 — $120<\/td>$200 — $500<\/td>$300 — $700<\/td><\/tr>
1928F<\/td>$5 — $12<\/td>$15 — $30<\/td>$50 — $100<\/td>$40 — $100<\/td><\/tr>
1928G<\/td>$4 — $8<\/td>$10 — $20<\/td>$30 — $75<\/td>$30 — $80<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The 1928B star note deserves special attention. Only nine examples are known, making it one of the rarest small-size US notes in any denomination. Even in low grades, confirmed 1928B $2 stars sell for thousands of dollars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1953 Series $2 Red Seal Values<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The 1953 series moved the red seal from the left side to the right side of the note. Four sub-series were issued: 1953, 1953A, 1953B, and 1953C. The 1953 and 1953A had the largest print runs, while the 1953C is the scarcest of the group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Series<\/th>Circulated<\/th>Uncirculated<\/th>Star Note (Circ.)<\/th>Star Note (Unc.)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
1953<\/td>$4 — $8<\/td>$15 — $30<\/td>$12 — $25<\/td>$60 — $150<\/td><\/tr>
1953A<\/td>$4 — $8<\/td>$15 — $25<\/td>$12 — $25<\/td>$60 — $150<\/td><\/tr>
1953B<\/td>$4 — $8<\/td>$15 — $25<\/td>$25 — $45<\/td>$100 — $250<\/td><\/tr>
1953C<\/td>$5 — $12<\/td>$20 — $40<\/td>$40 — $80<\/td>$150 — $350<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

1963 Series $2 Red Seal Values<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The 1963 series was the last $2 United States Note. These are the most common red seal twos and carry the smallest premiums, though star notes<\/a> still trade above face in all conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Series<\/th>Circulated<\/th>Uncirculated<\/th>Star Note (Circ.)<\/th>Star Note (Unc.)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
1963<\/td>$3 — $5<\/td>$8 — $16<\/td>$5 — $10<\/td>$20 — $70<\/td><\/tr>
1963A<\/td>$3 — $5<\/td>$8 — $16<\/td>$5 — $10<\/td>$24 — $70<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In supergrade condition (67 or higher from PMG or PCGS Currency), even common 1963 $2 notes can break $1,000. The market for high-grade certified paper money has grown sharply in recent years, and registry set collectors pay strong premiums for top-population notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

$5 Red Seal (Series 1928 — 1963)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The $5 red seal was issued in seven 1928-dated series (1928 through 1928F), four 1953-dated series (1953, 1953A, 1953B, 1953C), and one 1963 series. Abraham Lincoln appears on the face and the Lincoln Memorial on the back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most circulated $5 red seals are common and sell for $6 to $15. The exceptions are the early 1928 sub-series (no letter and 1928A) and star notes from any year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1928 Series $5 Red Seal Values<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Series<\/th>Circulated<\/th>Uncirculated<\/th>Star Note (Circ.)<\/th>Star Note (Unc.)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
1928<\/td>$8 — $20<\/td>$40 — $100<\/td>$30 — $100<\/td>$200 — $800<\/td><\/tr>
1928A<\/td>$10 — $25<\/td>$50 — $125<\/td>$75 — $250<\/td>$500 — $1,500<\/td><\/tr>
1928B<\/td>$6 — $15<\/td>$25 — $60<\/td>$20 — $60<\/td>$100 — $300<\/td><\/tr>
1928C<\/td>$6 — $12<\/td>$20 — $50<\/td>$15 — $40<\/td>$75 — $200<\/td><\/tr>
1928D<\/td>$8 — $20<\/td>$30 — $80<\/td>$50 — $150<\/td>$300 — $700<\/td><\/tr>
1928E<\/td>$6 — $15<\/td>$25 — $60<\/td>$20 — $60<\/td>$100 — $250<\/td><\/tr>
1928F<\/td>$6 — $10<\/td>$15 — $35<\/td>$15 — $40<\/td>$60 — $150<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The 1928A $5 star note is the standout rarity in the fives — it is the scarcest of the seven 1928 sub-series, followed by the 1928D. A 1928A star in gem condition could bring four figures at auction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1953 and 1963 Series $5 Red Seal Values<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Series<\/th>Circulated<\/th>Uncirculated<\/th>Star Note (Circ.)<\/th>Star Note (Unc.)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
1953<\/td>$6 — $10<\/td>$15 — $30<\/td>$10 — $25<\/td>$40 — $100<\/td><\/tr>
1953A<\/td>$6 — $10<\/td>$15 — $30<\/td>$10 — $25<\/td>$40 — $100<\/td><\/tr>
1953B<\/td>$6 — $10<\/td>$15 — $30<\/td>$10 — $25<\/td>$40 — $100<\/td><\/tr>
1953C<\/td>$8 — $15<\/td>$20 — $50<\/td>$20 — $40<\/td>$100 — $300<\/td><\/tr>
1963<\/td>$6 — $10<\/td>$12 — $25<\/td>$8 — $20<\/td>$30 — $75<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The 1953C is the scarcest of the later series and carries a noticeable premium in uncirculated grades, especially for star notes. The 1963 $5 was the last $5 note printed with a red seal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

$100 Red Seal (Series 1966)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 1966 $100 is the final United States Note ever issued. It was printed in two sub-series, 1966 and 1966A, and exists solely because of a 19th-century law (the Act of May 31, 1878) requiring the Treasury to maintain $346,681,016 in United States Notes in circulation at all times. Once Congress repealed that requirement, the series ended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 1966 $100 was also the first US currency to use the treasury seal with English wording (“The Department of the Treasury”) instead of the Latin that had been standard for over a century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1966 $100 Red Seal Values<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Series<\/th>Circulated<\/th>Uncirculated<\/th>Star Note (Circ.)<\/th>Star Note (Unc.)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
1966<\/td>$110 — $140<\/td>$200 — $350<\/td>$200 — $350<\/td>$500 — $1,500<\/td><\/tr>
1966A<\/td>$150 — $200<\/td>$300 — $500<\/td>$500 — $1,000<\/td>$2,000 — $5,000+<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The 1966A is scarcer than the 1966, and star notes from both series are quite rare. Because these notes have a $100 face value, even circulated examples trade above face — the floor is roughly $110 for a well-worn 1966.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Makes Red Seal Notes Valuable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Several factors determine what a red seal note is worth beyond its face value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Series and sub-series.<\/strong> Earlier series within a denomination tend to be worth more, and certain letter suffixes (like the 1928B $2 or the 1928A $5) had smaller print runs that make them harder to find today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Condition.<\/strong> Paper money condition is graded on a 70-point scale similar to coins. A note that has been folded, creased, or handled will grade lower than one that is crisp and flat. The difference between a circulated note and an uncirculated note can be 5x to 20x in value, depending on the series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Star notes.<\/strong> Replacement notes identified by a star at the end of the serial number were printed in much smaller quantities than standard notes. In most red seal series, star notes are worth two to ten times what a standard note brings. For key rarities like the 1928B $2 star (nine known) or the 1928 $1 star, the multiplier is far higher. For more on identifying and valuing star notes, see our star note value guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fancy serial numbers.<\/strong> A red seal note with a low serial number (00000001 through 00000100), a solid number (22222222), a radar (12344321), or other fancy serial number pattern<\/a> will trade at a premium above the values listed in the tables. The serial number premium stacks on top of whatever the note is already worth for its series and condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Certification.<\/strong> Notes graded and encapsulated by PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) or PCGS Currency trade at higher prices than raw (ungraded) notes, especially in uncirculated grades where the difference between a 63 and a 67 can be thousands of dollars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

History of United States Notes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

United States Notes were first authorized by the Legal Tender Act of 1862, signed by Abraham Lincoln to help finance the Civil War. Unlike the gold and silver certificates that followed, these notes were not backed by precious metal reserves — they were fiat currency, backed only by the government’s promise to accept them as payment for all debts public and private. Because of their appearance, the public called them “greenbacks.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Large-size United States Notes were issued from 1862 through 1923 in denominations from $1 to $10,000. When the Bureau of Engraving and Printing switched to the smaller note size in 1928, only the $1, $2, $5, and $100 denominations continued as United States Notes. The $1 was dropped after 1928. The $2 and $5 continued through 1963. The $100 was issued in 1966 and 1966A solely to satisfy the 1878 statutory requirement that a fixed dollar amount of Legal Tender Notes remain outstanding. Congress repealed that requirement, and the last $100 red seals were distributed in January 1971.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All United States Notes remain legal tender at face value. They can be spent, deposited, or redeemed at the Treasury, but collectors pay more for them than the government does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tips for Buying and Selling Red Seal Notes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you find a red seal note in a drawer, an old wallet, or a collection you inherited, the first step is to identify the denomination, series, and whether it is a star note. The values in this guide are approximate market prices, and actual sale prices depend on the specific condition and current demand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For notes worth $50 or more, professional grading from PMG or PCGS Currency is usually worth the cost. Certified notes sell for more and sell faster because the buyer does not need to evaluate condition themselves. For common circulated 1953 and 1963 red seals worth under $20, grading fees would eat into the note’s value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are building a collection, red seal notes make a natural set: one from each denomination and series, or a complete run of one denomination across all sub-series. The $2 red seal is the most popular entry point because there are enough series to make the set interesting, and most of the common dates can be found for under $20.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For current pricing on other US paper money values<\/a>, check our full guide covering all types of old currency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Related Guides<\/h2>\n\n\n\n