1934 $500 Federal Reserve Note Philadelphia

About This Note

The note you see here is the exact note you will receive.

The 1934 $500 Federal Reserve Note is one of the most coveted and recognizable notes in all of American paper money. With a face value that represented nearly two weeks' wages for the average American worker in 1934, these notes saw limited everyday circulation: and far fewer survive today than their lower-denomination counterparts. The Federal Reserve officially discontinued the $500 denomination in 1969, and notes were withdrawn from circulation as they were returned to banks, making survivors in any grade genuinely scarce.

The obverse features a commanding portrait of President William McKinley at center: the only $500 note design ever produced by the United States. The distinctive light green Federal Reserve seal identifies this as a Philadelphia district note (CA Block), with the bold serial number C00015414A and the signatures of Treasurer W.A. Julian and Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau Jr. completing the design.

Fr #2201-Clgs denotes the Light Green seal variety: one of the most visually striking of the 1934 $500 FRN varieties. This example grades PMG Very Fine 30, displaying honest wear consistent with a note that actually circulated, with clear design elements and strong color throughout.

Whether you are building a high-denomination type set or simply want to own a piece of American monetary history, the 1934 $500 FRN is a note that commands attention in any collection.