US 20 Dollar Banknote (Red Seal) First Issued 1914

United States dollar banknotes have appeared in several distinct Treasury-issued formats, including this historic US $20 Red Seal banknote first issued in 1914. Unlike Blue Seal Federal Reserve Notes, this version is a United States Note (Legal Tender Note) and represents paper money issued directly by the U.S. Treasury rather than the Federal Reserve System.

This $20 banknote is printed mainly in black and green ink on light-coloured paper and is instantly recognisable by its red Treasury seal and red serial numbers. These red features clearly identify it as a United States Note. Notes of this type were legal tender for all debts and circulated widely alongside early Federal Reserve currency.

On the obverse of the banknote is a detailed engraved portrait of Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th President of the United States. His portrait is centrally positioned within an oval frame and surrounded by elaborate ornamental engraving. The wording “The United States of America” appears prominently across the top, with “Twenty Dollars” engraved below the portrait. To the right sits the red Treasury seal, with matching red serial numbers and the 1914 series date clearly visible.

The reverse of the note features a dramatic engraved scene representing American transport and global commerce. A powerful steam locomotive is shown on the left, symbolising rail and industrial expansion, while on the right an ocean-going steamship approaches New York Harbour with the Statue of Liberty visible in the distance. The denomination “Twenty Dollars” appears boldly at the centre, framed by intricate decorative borders and large corner numerals.

This series is especially notable for its bold red colouring, fine engraving and symbolic artwork, which distinguish United States Notes from contemporary Federal Reserve issues. Although no longer issued for circulation, these notes remain recognised as withdrawn historic US currency.

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If you are looking to exchange old US dollar banknotes, we offer a secure and trusted UK service for exchanging withdrawn and historic US currency.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