Guide
Old U.S. paper money: what collectors look for
Old bills turn up in drawers, wallets, family Bibles and coin collections. Here's how to recognize the kinds collectors look for, including notes issued by banks in Rockmart and Cedartown, and how to keep them in the condition they're in.
We don't list values here. What a note is worth depends on its type, condition and serial number. Send photos and we'll take a look.
Handle with care
- Leave notes as they are. Don't flatten, press, iron, wash or tape them, and don't try to repair tears.
- If a note is in a grading holder, leave it there and photograph the label, front and back.
Kinds of old paper money
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Large-size notes
Before 1929, U.S. paper money was printed noticeably larger than today's bills. The smaller size, starting with Series 1928 notes, replaced them in 1929.
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Silver certificates
The words “Silver Certificate” are printed on the front. Most small-size silver certificates have a blue seal and blue serial numbers. They can no longer be exchanged for silver.
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Gold certificates
The words “Gold Certificate” are printed on the front. Small-size Series 1928 gold certificates have a gold-colored seal, and many large-size ones have a bright orange-gold back. They're legal to own.
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Red seal notes
Small-size United States Notes, most often $2 and $5 bills, have a red seal and red serial numbers. Some large-size notes have red seals too, including the Series 1902 “Red Seal” National Bank Notes listed below.
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Star notes
A star printed before or after the serial number marks a replacement note, printed in place of a misprinted one. Star notes turn up on recent bills too. Short print runs and older series interest collectors most, so send photos if you're not sure.
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National Bank Notes
From 1863 to 1935, national banks around the country issued their own notes. Most show the issuing bank's name, its town and its charter number. Collectors often look for notes from particular towns and banks.
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Brown and yellow seals
Series 1929 National Bank Notes and Federal Reserve Bank Notes have brown seals. World War II notes overprinted “HAWAII” (brown seal) and the yellow-seal notes issued for North Africa were made for the war effort.
National Bank Notes from Rockmart and Cedartown
The Society of Paper Money Collectors' U.S. National Bank Lookup lists three national banks in Rockmart and Cedartown that issued their own notes. The counts below are the numbers of notes issued, not how many survive.
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The Citizens National Bank of Rockmart
Charter 8628 · 1907–1917
Series 1902 Red Seal and Date Back notes in $10 and $20. 5,856 notes issued.
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The First National Bank of Cedartown
Charter 4075 · 1889–1893
Series 1882 Brown Back notes in $10 and $20. 2,216 notes issued.
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The Liberty National Bank of Cedartown
Charter 11833 · chartered 1920
Series 1902 Plain Back large-size notes and Series 1929 small-size notes (Type 1 and Type 2), each in $5, $10 and $20. 71,756 notes issued.
What to send
- Both sides of each note, with the whole note in the frame.
- Serial numbers readable.
- For notes in a grading holder, the front and back of the label.
- Your town and a few words about where the notes came from.
Send photos in a private message, not as a comment on a public post. Your town is enough to start.
Not sure what to write? Copy a message starter.
Coins in the same drawer or box? See everything we buy, or read our guide to selling an inherited collection.