US 100 Dollar Banknote (Red Seal) First Issued 1914

United States dollar banknotes have been produced in several Treasury-issued forms, including this impressive US $100 Red Seal banknote first issued in 1914. Unlike Blue Seal Federal Reserve Notes, this version is a United States Note (Legal Tender Note) issued directly by the U.S. Treasury and circulated alongside early Federal Reserve currency.

This $100 banknote is printed mainly in black and green ink on light-coloured paper and is immediately identifiable by its red Treasury seal and red serial numbers. These red features distinguish it from Federal Reserve Notes and confirm its status as a United States Note, which was legal tender for all debts and public and private payments.

On the obverse of the banknote is a finely engraved portrait of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Franklin’s profile portrait is centred within an oval vignette and surrounded by elaborate ornamental engraving. Across the top is the wording “The United States of America”, while “One Hundred Dollars” is prominently engraved below. To the right of the portrait sits the red Treasury seal with matching red serial numbers and the 1914 series designation clearly shown.

The reverse of the note features a classical allegorical engraving depicting three seated female figures representing Commerce, Industry and Agriculture. To the left stands a travelling figure with staff and pack symbolising exploration and expansion, while to the right another figure carries a large sheaf, representing productivity and abundance. The denomination “One Hundred Dollars” is displayed at the centre, framed by intricate decorative borders and bold corner numerals.

This series is notable for its striking red colouring, refined engraving and symbolic classical artwork, clearly differentiating United States Notes from contemporary Federal Reserve designs. Although no longer issued for circulation, these notes remain recognised as withdrawn historic US currency and are valued for both their monetary and historical significance.

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

• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button

• Your online account now shows the exchange value

If you are looking to exchange old US dollar banknotes, we offer a secure and trusted UK service for exchanging withdrawn and historic US currency.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 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 efficiently.

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.