1900 $10,000 Gold Certificate

This 1900 $10,000 Gold Certificate, Fr. 1225e, is a remarkable piece of United States currency history. Issued solely for interbank transactions, these high-denomination notes were not circulated among the public and nearly all were redeemed with the Treasury and subsequently cancelled and put into government storage.

So how did examples get into private hands? Ahh now that's a good story: In 1906, there was a fire at the Old Post Office where the cancelled $10k notes were being stored. And the well-meaning workers literally threw stacks of paperwork out of the window to protect them. Among those stacks were stacks of cancelled $10k notes, which showered down onto the street to be scooped up by anyone who could grab one. And so here we have one of the survivors.

Graded Choice Very Fine 35 by PMG, this note has been NET graded for being cancelled, repaired, and having signatures retraced. Despite these factors, it retains considerable eye appeal with the intricate design and vivid colors remaining prominent. The iconic portrait of Andrew Jackson is boldly displayed, with the serial number and Treasury seal in striking red. The reverse, although showing signs of circulation, maintains its clarity.

The repairs have been professionally done and are barely visible to the naked eye. Normally we would stay away from repaired notes since originality is the key consideration - but these $10k notes are an exception. They have all been canclled, they're not legal tender, and in this rare case, presentation actually matters more than originality. We love this note and you will too.