US 20 Dollar Banknote (Blue Seal) First Issued 1914

United States dollar banknotes have been issued in a number of historic designs by the U.S. Treasury and later the Federal Reserve, including this distinctive US $20 Blue Seal banknote first issued in 1914. This note forms part of the earliest Federal Reserve Note series and marks a major shift in the United States’ monetary system following the creation of the Federal Reserve in 1913.

This $20 banknote is printed primarily in black and green ink on light-coloured paper and is immediately identifiable by its blue Treasury seal and blue serial numbers, a characteristic feature of early Federal Reserve Notes. These notes were issued during a period of rapid economic growth and circulated widely throughout the United States in the early twentieth century.

On the obverse of the banknote is a detailed engraved portrait of Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th President of the United States. Cleveland’s portrait is centrally positioned within an oval frame and surrounded by intricate ornamental engraving. The wording “The United States of America” appears prominently across the top, with “Twenty Dollars” engraved below. Federal Reserve district identifiers, blue serial numbers and the blue Treasury seal are clearly visible, confirming its status as a Blue Seal note.

The reverse of the note features a highly symbolic engraved scene illustrating American progress and global trade. On the left is a powerful steam locomotive representing industrial expansion and domestic transport, while the right side depicts an ocean-going steamship approaching New York Harbor, with the Statue of Liberty visible in the background. This design reflects the United States’ growing role in international commerce and transportation during the early 1900s. The denomination “Twenty Dollars” is displayed prominently at the centre, framed by elaborate decorative borders and corner numerals.

This series is especially noted for its fine engraving quality, historical symbolism and large-format design, all of which distinguish early Federal Reserve Notes from later, more simplified issues. Although these banknotes are no longer issued for circulation, they remain recognised as withdrawn historic US currency.

• Indicate the quantity of US $20 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If you are looking to exchange old US dollar banknotes, we offer a secure and trusted UK service for exchanging withdrawn and historic US currency.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.