Yo, did you know there were $1,000 bills?
It’s true!
If you want to learn about the 1000 dollar bills, including when they were first created, why they were printed, and all the other good details, keep on reading.
So is there really a $1000 bill?
Yes, there really is a 1000 dollar bill.
They did stop printing them, but the 1000 dollar bills that are still out there are still considered legal tender, so if you do come across one, you could spend it just like any other bill.
Want to know more about the history of the $1000 bill?
Brief History of the 1000 Dollar Bill
The first occurrence of a $1000 bill occurred in 1861. The United States (13 colonies) issued their own $1000 bill, and the confederate states also issued their own $1000 bill.
There were at least a dozen different $1000 bill designs that were printed between 1861 and 1945.
The last few large denomination bills (500, 1000, 5000, and 10000 bills) were printed in 1945. And the Treasury Department did an official recall in 1969 (source).
After 1969, any $1000 bills that were still in the wild were sent to the Treasury Department and destroyed (source).
Why don’t we use the $1000 bill anymore?
The 1000 dollar bill seems pretty cool, right? So why the heck would we ever stop using it, huh?
The US government says that were wasn’t really a need for larger denomination bills due to the increased popularity of checks and credit cards.
But there’s been some speculation that the larger denominations made it easier for illegal activities (like money laundering and tax evasion).
What did the $1000 bills look like? Who is on the $1000 bill?
I’ll be talking about the 1000 dollar bills that were issued by the Continental Congress (that represent the 13 colonies).
There were one of two people on each $1000 bill: Alexander Hamilton and President Grover.
$1000 1918 Series Blue Seal Bill
The first 1000 dollar bill was first printed and circulated in 1918. This bill features a portrait of Alexander Hamilton on the front and a bald eagle on the back.
Who’s Alexander Hamilton?
Alexander Hamilton was one of the founding fathers of the United States, and helped create the beginning of the financial system (he created the first two banks!.
$1000 1928 Series Blue Seal Bill
The next major 1000 dollar bill was circulated in 1928 and features President Grover Cleveland on the front and the back just says “The United States of America” and “One Thousand Dollars” on the back.
How much is a $1000 bill worth?
The worth of a 1000 dollar bill depends on the type of bill and it’s condition.
For example the 1918 $1000 bill with Hamilton is worth about $8,000 (source).
The 1928 $1000 bill with President Cleveland is worth about $1,800 if it’s been in circulation and more if it’s in perfect condition (source).
According to Antique Money there are rare $1000 bills that are worth upwards of 3.3 million dollars!
Final Thoughts on the $1000 Bill
Yep there’s really a $1,000 bill!
Sadly you won’t be able to just go out and get one from your bank since they’re no longer printed or in circulation.