Iconic & Artistic Large Size US Banknotes

Large size American currency is fascinating in its use of imagery on its banknotes. From 1861 through the Series of 1923, collectors enjoy a history lesson through artistic renditions of our past. Throughout today's libraries, universities, museums, and parks, the same history is revealed and contained in the vignettes featured in large size currency. Common United States paper money collections evolve from modern small size Federal Reserve Notes into a more complex assembly in which no one collection is alike. Although enjoying the ease of availability accompanied by lower premiums, these small-size collections cannot compete alongside the artistic value in design, color, subject matter, and history of large size notes.

$10, 1901 Legal Tender

$10 1901 Legal Tender Fr#114, front PMG graded 67 Superb Gem Uncirculated Click image to enlarge.

$10 1901 Legal Tender Fr#114, back PMG graded 67 Superb Gem Uncirculated Click image to enlarge.

The $10 1901 Legal Tender note features Meriwether Lewis and William Clark with the iconic bison center. With the acquisition of the Louisiana Purchase, Lewis and Clark were tasked on an expedition to seek information on the geography, perform scientific experiments, find possible trade routes, and interact with Native Americans. The bison shown in this note was plentiful at the time of their expedition. Although in lower numbers today, this animal was a life supply for the Native American tribes, as they utilized this animal as food, clothing, weaponry, and tools.

$5, 1886 Silver Certificate

$5 1886 Silver Certificate Fr#262, front PMG graded 67 Superb Gem Uncirculated Click image to enlarge.

$5 1886 Silver Certificate Fr#262, back PMG graded 67 Superb Gem Uncirculated Click image to enlarge.

With this attractive Silver Certificate, even a strict coins-only numismatist can be tempted to add this example to their collection. This design incorporates the popular Morgan Silver Dollar, which is symbolic of a time when precious metals could be redeemed on demand. Notice the rotating "cartwheel" effect which is beautifully depicted throughout the fields of each coin on the note.

$20, 1915 Federal Reserve Bank Note

$20 1915 Federal Reserve Bank Note Chicago Fr#824, front PMG graded 66 Gem Uncirculated EPQ Click image to enlarge.

$20 1915 Federal Reserve Bank Note Chicago Fr#824, back PMG graded 66 Gem Uncirculated EPQ Click image to enlarge.

The early 1900s introduced advances in transportation. Air travel became a possibility with the Wright Brothers' 12-second flight in 1903. The Ford Motor Company is founded and rises quickly as a leader in the automotive industry. This $20 FRBN (Federal Reserve Bank Note) displays transportation by sea, land, and air. One can imagine immigrants inbound to Ellis Island taking in the Statue of Liberty at right. To the left, the "Golden Age" of rail as the superior mode of transportation as well as a dominant focal point in this vignette.

$50, 1882 National Bank Note

$50 1882 Brown Back Fr#513, front PMG graded 63 Choice Uncirculated EPQ Click image to enlarge.

$50 1882 Brown Back Fr#513, back PMG graded 63 Choice Uncirculated EPQ Click image to enlarge.

In this note we see General George Washington as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Washington looks to be gathering his thoughts with prayer in the vignette at the right just before his surprise attack on the British during the chilling Christmas Crossing of the Delaware River at the left.

$10, 1869 Legal Tender

$10 1869 Legal Tender Fr#96, front PMG graded 66 Gem Uncirculated Click image to enlarge.

$10 1869 Legal Tender Fr#96, back PMG graded 66 Gem Uncirculated Click image to enlarge.

This $10 Legal Tender note represents the first of the "Jackass" note series. This deserving nickname is attributed due to the eagle at lower center which when viewed inverted, looks like a head of a mule. Collectors seek high grades in this note to display the attractive multicolor underprint that earns an additional "Rainbow Note" nickname.

Although there are many designs and varieties of Large Size US Paper Money, they all share a common beauty while offering historical importance unmatched by any other trade. By properly handling and displaying them we can continue to share the significance of these notes with future generations.