1934 $100,000 Gold Certificate Commemorative Print

The Legendary $100,000 Bill Returns As Commemorative Print

Let’s say you’re running a bank in 1934, where your transactions are recorded by ink, typewriter ribbon, and paper. Let’s also say that, at one point, you needed to transfer money to another bank. Since this is well before the time of computerized balances, you couldn’t wire the money like you can today. You could send the amount in gold but carrying the equivalent in bars down the street would hardly be inconspicuous. And, frankly, a friendly paper IOU never holds up as legal tender. You needed a way to do it fast, do it simply and do it in a way that was guaranteed by the U.S. government.

A Historic Design Is Reborn!

Enter the $100,000 bill. This gold certificate was the highest denomination ever issued by the United States. Used to transfer funds between banks, these notes were never meant for general circulation. In fact, bills like these were illegal to privately own. (Not that the average citizen realistically could—back in 1934, these bills were each worth around $1.8 million in today's dollars!) When the Federal Reserve stopped using these types of notes in the 1960s, the vast majority were destroyed. However, you can still see one in person at the Smithsonian® National Museum of American History. And now, you can own a gorgeous commemorative print of this famous note!

The original banknote incorporated intricate details with gold accents with the obverse displaying President Woodrow Wilson along with a distinct reverse decorated with vibrant orange for the border, radiating rays from the center and denomination in all four corners as well as the center. If you’re a fan of American history and large bills, then this fabulous commemorative print is definitely one to own! Ring one up in your cart today!