Expert: Ronald Fern - 11/5/2009

Question
I have 1 $100 1936 B and 1 1936 C $100 Federal Reserve Notes.
Are they of value enough to hang on to for my grandchildren?

Answer
Hi Dee:

A lot depends on your notes condition as well as the federal reserve branch the notes were issued for, but I suggest you go back and look at the dates. There is no listing for 1936 $100 notes. There are 1934B and 1934C, so I'll assume that's what you have.

Federal Reserve Branches - Prior to Series 1996, each Federal Reserve Note bears a regional seal at the left of the portrait. This seal, printed in black, bears the name of the issuing Federal Reserve Bank and the letter (A through L) designating the Federal Reserve district in which that bank is located. On notes of the 1950 series and later, the black Federal Reserve regional seal is smaller than earlier designs and is surrounded by sharp points. Starting with the 1996 series Federal Reserve notes, a new universal seal represents the entire Federal Reserve system. A letter and number below the upper left serial number identifies the issuing Federal Reserve Bank.

A recent issue of "Paper Money Values" shows your 1934B note in very fine condition to have a retail value of $150 for all districts other than E*, H*, and K*. Those star notes have a value of $800 each. The (*) becomes a part of the serial number as a replacement note with the same serial numbers that was damaged or did not meet quality specifications when first printed. An extra fine note has a value of $185, with the three districts star notes (E*, H*, and K*) going to $1500 each.

Your 1934C note in very fine condition has a retail value of $150 for all districts other than D* through L*. Those star notes have a value of $950 each. An extra fine note has a value of $175 to $200, with the D* through L* districts notes going to $1750 each.

Remember, should you decide to sell your notes to get at least two estimates from established currency dealers. You can find then listed at link: http://www.rarecurrency.net/ Dealers will normally pay 50% to 60% of retail for notes they are interested in.

For determining the grade of your notes as well as some other interesting facts on paper money, see link: http://www.littletoncoin.com/LCC/html/features/pdf/How_to_Collect_Paper_Money.pd...

For more information on currency, see link: http://www.secretservice.gov/money_characteristics.shtml

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Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.