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Bellevue 425-454-1283 · Lynnwood 425-672-2646 · Issaquah 425-392-0450 · Tacoma 253-328-4014

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GOLDEN TICKET OR CERTIFIED TRASH

Gold certificates have a long standing in the history of the financial world. Because moving tangible gold during the transfer of ownership can be a physically tasking ordeal and the carrying of large quantities of gold coin can also be quite cumbersome, gold certificates have been used as far back as 17th century Europe, most notably in London and Amsterdam.

 

The United States began printing gold certificates in 1863, presumably in response to the massive amounts of gold discovered and subsequently deposited across the nation and during the height of the Civil War. This allowed for the certificates to be used as daily currency. Now extremely rare, any certificate printed prior to 1880 is considered to be of the highest value.

 

In 1882, a call for redesigning the certificate occurred and the results made for some truly beautiful pieces of American history. But because of this, some 1882 certificates are now worth more than others. For specific details regarding this matter, certificates should be properly appraised by an expert, as they may be worth more than anticipated.

 

At the turn of the 20th century, the United States had become more and more reliant on its new form of currency, prompting yet another issuing of redesigned certificates in varying denominations. Though we continue with the trend of larger presence, or cut, most denominations were fairly common with the exception of the 1905 $20 and $100, making these almost as rare as their 1880+ counterparts.

 

Amidst the chaos of the Great Depression and the Emergency Banking Act, the Gold Standard was also abandoned in efforts to stimulate the once booming U.S. economy and regain faith in the U.S. banking system. With this abandonment, gold certificates became worthless and even illegal to possess. It wasn’t until 1964 that the ban was lifted, though not redeemable for the consistently treasured gold. From 1964 to present day, gold certificates have been redeemed at face value for modern currency, with their true value only seen in the eyes of the collector and appraiser.

 

The 1928 releases saw denominations of $10, $20, $50, $100, $500 and on, up to $10,000. The $500 a345329nd $1,000 notes make their presence known every so often, though not as scarcely as $5,000 and $10,000, making these the “unicorns” of their kind. The last of this series of currency were the never-circulated 1934 certificates. Only released to banks and printed in $100, $1,000, $10,000, and $100,000 notes, each had a brilliant orange reverse and its own unique design.

 

If you believe you may have one of these rare historical beauties in hand or are interested in acquiring one, please visit any Bellevue Rare Coins location during store hours. Our knowledgeable staff with keen eyes for detail would love to assist you!

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  • Bellevue

    Bellevue

    321 Bellevue Way NE
    Bellevue, WA 98004
    Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am - 6 pm
    Saturday & Sunday Closed
    Phone: 425-454-1283
  • Lynnwood

    Lynnwood

    18411 Alderwood Mall Parkway Suite F
    Lynnwood, WA 98037
    Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am - 6 pm
    Saturday & Sunday Closed
    Phone: 425-672-2646
  • Issaquah

    Issaquah

    1175 NW Gilman Blvd Suite B16
    Issaquah, WA 98027
    Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am - 6 pm
    Saturday & Sunday Closed
    Phone: 425-392-0450
  • Tacoma

    Tacoma

    2302 Pacific Ave
    Tacoma, WA 98402
    Hours: Mon-Fri 10 am - 6 pm
    Saturday & Sunday Closed
    Phone: 253-328-4014