US 10000 Dollar Banknote (Salmon P Chase) Issued 1934

United States dollar banknotes have historically included a small number of very high-denomination notes intended primarily for interbank transfers and large financial settlements. One of the most significant of these is the US $10,000 banknote featuring Salmon P. Chase, issued in 1934. This note represents one of the highest denominations ever released for public use in the United States.

The 1934 $10,000 banknote was issued by the Federal Reserve during a period of major monetary reform following the Great Depression. Although technically legal tender under US law, notes of this denomination were never commonly used by the general public and were largely withdrawn from circulation as electronic banking and modern settlement systems developed. Today, these notes are no longer issued or accepted in everyday transactions and are widely regarded as withdrawn or legacy currency.

The banknote is printed primarily in black and green ink on light-coloured paper. It features a green Treasury seal, green serial numbers, and a Federal Reserve district seal identifying the issuing bank. Due to its exceptionally high face value, the note also incorporates complex engraving and design elements intended to deter counterfeiting at the time of issue.

On the obverse of the banknote is an engraved portrait of Salmon P. Chase, who served as Chief Justice of the United States and Secretary of the Treasury under President Abraham Lincoln. Chase played a central role in establishing the modern US financial system, including the introduction of a national banking framework during the Civil War. His portrait is centrally positioned within an oval frame, surrounded by intricate guilloché patterns and formal typographic elements. The denomination “Ten Thousand Dollars” is prominently displayed along the lower portion of the note.

The reverse of the banknote features a bold, symmetrical engraved design dominated by large denomination numerals and ornate scrollwork. Unlike lower-value notes, the reverse design prioritises clarity and authority over pictorial scenes, reflecting the note’s intended institutional use rather than circulation among the public.

This $10,000 series is notable for its rarity, historical significance, and museum-grade status. While these notes remain legal tender in a technical sense, they are no longer used in circulation and are not accepted by most banks or retailers. As a result, specialist handling is required for assessment and exchange.

• Indicate the quantity of US $10,000 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 high-value or withdrawn US dollar banknotes, we provide a secure and specialist UK service for legacy United States currency. Many banks no longer accept high-denomination notes such as the $10,000 series, but we regularly handle historic and withdrawn US banknotes for individuals, charities, and organisations.

Due to their rarity and high value, US $10,000 banknotes are subject to additional authentication checks. This means processing times may be longer than standard notes, and acceptance is dependent on condition and verification.

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