US $500 Dollar Banknote First Issued 1918

United States dollar banknotes have been produced in many different denominations and formats over time, including very high face values such as this historic US $500 banknote first issued in 1918. These large denomination notes were created primarily for interbank transfers and high-value transactions rather than everyday public spending, and today they are regarded as museum-grade historic currency.

This $500 note forms part of the Federal Reserve Note series of the early twentieth century. It is printed in black and green ink on light paper, with the familiar intricate engraved borders typical of classic American banknote design. A prominent coloured Treasury seal and matching serial numbers appear on the front, identifying the issuing Federal Reserve district.

The obverse of the banknote features a finely engraved portrait of Chief Justice John Marshall, framed within an oval vignette at the centre. Surrounding this are detailed scrolls, geometric guilloché patterns and large “500” denomination numerals in each corner. The text “The United States of America” runs across the top, with “Five Hundred Dollars” displayed boldly along the lower centre.

The reverse shows an elaborate historical scene with multiple engraved figures, reflecting early American exploration and expansion. Large “500” denomination numerals sit in each corner, with decorative flourishes and a complex border filling the rest of the design. The engraving quality and level of artistic detail place these notes among the finest examples of early twentieth-century currency printing.

Although these notes technically remain legal tender in the United States, they were withdrawn from general circulation decades ago and are no longer used in everyday banking. Most banks will not handle or exchange them due to their rarity, high value and the risk of counterfeits. As a result, surviving examples are typically found in collections, auctions and museum holdings rather than in circulation.

We are able to review and process genuine historic high-denomination US banknotes such as this. Because of their value and rarity, additional authentication and specialist handling is always required before any exchange is approved. This means processing times are longer than for standard circulating notes, and each submission is assessed individually.

Withdrawn high-value notes like the 1918 $500 are handled with enhanced verification procedures. While many genuine notes can be exchanged, acceptance is always subject to successful authentication and condition checks once the note has been physically received and examined.

• Indicate the quantity of US $500 banknotes you want to exchange

• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button

• Your online account now shows the provisional exchange value

If you are looking to exchange old US dollar banknotes, we provide a secure and trusted UK service for historic and withdrawn United States currency. Many mainstream banks no longer accept these notes, but our specialist process is designed for legacy and high-value issues that require expert verification.

High-denomination historic notes are not treated the same as modern circulating currency. They are reviewed carefully on arrival, authenticated, and only then confirmed for exchange where appropriate. This careful approach helps protect both customers and the wider currency market.

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.