Believe it or not, there were only two types of large size twenty dollar bills issued by the United States with a date on them in the 1900s. Those two types of money are gold certificates and national bank notes.
The first $20 gold certificate is from the series of 1905. It is called a technicolor by most collectors. These are very rare. Most are worth a few thousand dollars. Examples in perfect condition can be worth far more. George Washington is pictured on the front center of each bill.
A $20 gold certificate was also issued in 1906. It looks very similar to the much rarer 1905 type. 1906 twenty dollar bills are fairly common. Circulated examples generally sell for around $150. Nicer examples are of course worth more money.
There were four different types of national bank notes being printed during the 1900s.
Series of 1882 $20 Brown Backs:
National banks that opened in 1900 or 1901 issued series of 1882 brown backs until 1908. Twenty dollar brown backs are popular and collectible.
Series of 1882 $20 Blue Seals:
National banks that opened in 1900 or 1901, that were still open in 1909, issued a type of money known as an 1882 blue seal. Some blue seals can be very rare because very few banks met the criteria to issue them.
Series of 1902 $20 Red Seals:
National banks that opened between 1902 and 1908 issued series of 1902 red seals until March of 1908. These bills could have a charter date of 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1906, 1907, or 1908. Red seals are very popular and are usually at least somewhat rare. They were only printed for a short period of time. We are especially aggressive buyers of red seals.
Series of 1902 $20 Blue Seals:
Any national bank that opened between 1902 and 1909 (that was still in business by 1909) issued a type of money known as series of 1902 blue seals. Blue seals can absolutely be rare. As with any $20 national bank note, the value is all based on the condition, serial number, and bank of issue.
If you have a $20 gold certificate or national bank note, please send us an email and tell us about it. We are experts in the field and we are always interested buyers. Sales@AntiqueMoney.com
