US 100 Dollar Banknote (Blue Seal) First Issued 1914

United States dollar banknotes have been issued in a wide range of historic designs by the U.S. Treasury and later the Federal Reserve, including this highly significant US $100 Blue Seal banknote first issued in 1914. This note forms part of the original Federal Reserve Note series introduced following the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 and represents one of the highest denominations issued in that inaugural series.

This $100 banknote is printed primarily in black and green ink on light-coloured paper and is easily identified by its blue Treasury seal and blue serial numbers, both characteristic features of early Federal Reserve Notes. These notes were issued to support liquidity within the newly formed Federal Reserve System and circulated during a period of major economic expansion in the United States.

On the obverse of the banknote is a detailed engraved portrait of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Franklin’s portrait is centrally positioned within an oval vignette and surrounded by finely executed ornamental engraving. The wording “The United States of America” appears prominently across the top, with “One Hundred Dollars” engraved below. Federal Reserve district identifiers, blue serial numbers and the blue Treasury seal are clearly visible, confirming its classification as a Blue Seal note.

The reverse of the note features a striking allegorical design symbolising progress, innovation and global trade. The central imagery is framed by elaborate engraved borders and decorative elements, with the denomination “One Hundred Dollars” displayed prominently. The depth and complexity of the engraving reflect the high level of craftsmanship associated with early twentieth-century American banknote production.

This series is especially valued for its large-format design, historical importance and exceptional engraving quality. While these notes are no longer issued for circulation, they remain recognised as withdrawn historic US currency and are sought after for both their monetary and historical significance.

• Indicate the quantity of US $100 banknotes you want to exchange

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If you are looking to exchange old US dollar banknotes, we offer a secure and trusted UK service for exchanging withdrawn and historic US currency. Many high-street banks no longer accept older US notes, but we specialise in exchanging discontinued United States dollar banknotes and paying you directly into your UK bank account once the exchange has been approved.

Whether you are exchanging a single historic note or a larger collection of withdrawn US banknotes, our straightforward process ensures your currency is handled securely and professionally.

For all high-value transactions, we will require valid identification in order to comply with Anti-Money Laundering Regulations (AMLR).

Image: National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution.