1. 1890 Grand Watermelon $1,000 Bill, USA
Topping the list is the 1890 Grand Watermelon $1,000 bill, a rare gem in American currency history. Named for its zeros, which resemble watermelons, this bill was part of a series issued between 1890 and 1893. It’s not just its age that makes it valuable; its design and rarity have led to an astonishing auction price of $3.3 million in 2014, making it a star in the collecting world.
2. 1891 Red Seal $1,000 Banknote, USA
The 1891 Red Seal $1,000 treasury note, depicting Major General George Gordon Meade, is a relic of the Civil War era. With only two known surviving specimens, its rarity is unquestionable. Sold for $2.5 million in 2013, this banknote’s journey from a modest $1,300 in 1944 to its current value is a testament to its desirability and historical significance.
3. 1882 $500 Gold Certificate, USA
The 1882 $500 Gold Certificate holds a unique place in U.S. monetary history. It’s the only Federal Reserve gold certificate of its denomination, save for another specimen at the Smithsonian Institution. With a backstory involving a banker’s will and a near-mint collection, this banknote fetched $2.3 million at auction, a figure that reflects its rarity and the fascinating story of its survival.
4. 1924 £1,000 Banknote, Australia
Australia’s 1924 £1,000 bill is not only rare but also enveloped in a brief yet intriguing circulation history. Restricted shortly after release for internal bank transfers, its scarcity skyrocketed its value, culminating in a $1.2 million sale in 2008. This piece of Australian monetary history holds the record as the country’s most expensive banknote sold at auction.
5. 1817 Modern 10 Shilling Banknote, Australia
From the first day of the Bank of New South Wales in 1817, a hundred 10 shilling notes were printed, with the first bearing the serial number M000001. This particular note, symbolizing the dawn of modern Australian currency, has been valued at a staggering $755,000, reflecting its historical significance and rarity.
6. 1908 20 Rupees Zanzibar Banknote
As the world’s most expensive African banknote, the Zanzibar 1908 20 rupee note stands out for its intricate design and over a century-old history. With only a handful of specimens left, this rare note fetched $225,000 at a public auction in 2011, highlighting its allure among collectors.
7. 1948 One Million Pound Banknote, UK
The £1 million banknote, released by the Bank of England in 1948 as part of the Marshall Plan, is a fascinating piece of post-war monetary history. One of only nine created, it’s an anomaly in this list, fetching a relatively modest $150,000 at auction in 2011, yet its story and rarity make it a prized possession.
8. 1368-1396 Ming Dynasty Banknote, China
Delving into ancient Chinese history, the Ming Dynasty banknote from 1368-1396 stands as a testament to the early use of paper currency. One of only two large format bills known to exist, it entered the auction block with an opening bid of $58,000, a price befitting its age and historical significance.
9. 1929 Bank of New Zealand £100 Bill
New Zealand’s transition from the pound system is encapsulated in the 1929 £100 bill, which features a portrait of Maori King Tawhiao. A rare find from a time when bills were printed in Europe and shipped overseas, it fetched $11,500 at auction, a nod to its historical and cultural value.
10. 1918 Alexander Hamilton $1,000 Bill, USA
The 1918 Alexander Hamilton $1,000 bill rounds out this list. With only about 150 in existence, this series is rare, especially given its distinctive feature – the dollar sign. At auctions, it commands between $7,500 and $10,000, a price that reflects its historical importance and rarity