In Heritage’s September 13-15 Long Beach Expo US Currency Signature Auction, a Fr. #2231-A $10,000 1934 Federal Reserve Note PMG Choice Uncirculated 64 EPQ set a new record, soaring to an impressive $480,000.
The auction, which featured a wide range of currency rarities, achieved a total of $7,313,357. Combined with the coins event, which also broke several records, the total sales amounted to $15,545,589.
The strong performance of the 1934 $10,000 note comes as no surprise, given the enduring fascination with banknotes of the highest denominations.
According to Dustin Johnston, Vice President of Currency at Heritage Auctions, “Large denomination notes have always attracted collectors of all levels.
The $10,000 note ranks second only to the $100,000 gold certificate issued in 1934. Of the 18 examples graded by PMG, this example is tied for the highest grade.
With only four equal and five higher grades among all small-size $10,000 FRNs graded by PMG, this note is a true prize.”
Another highlight of the auction was a Fr. 2221-G $5,000 1934 Federal Reserve Note PCGS Banknote Choice Unc 64 with serial number G00000998A, which fetched a winning bid of $300,000, setting a record for its grade. This note had not appeared on the auction market since Heritage’s September 2007 Long Beach auction.
Among the top lots was a Fr. 1133-D $1,000 1918 Federal Reserve Note PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ from the Thomas Collup Collection, which sold for $228,000.
Tied for the finest-graded of all large-size thousands, regardless of type, this note represented the first time Heritage had offered a 1918 $1,000 note at this grade level.
Also garnering attention was a Fr. 187j $1,000 1880 Legal Tender PMG Very Fine 30 Net, which achieved a winning bid of $192,000.
Featuring a vignette of ‘Columbus in His Study’ and a portrait of DeWitt Clinton, governor of New York during the 1825-28 period, this note is a rare find, with only a handful known to exist.
Other notable lots from the auction include a Fr. 167b $100 1863 Legal Tender PCGS Banknote Choice Fine 15 Details, which closed at $72,000, and a Fr. 302 $10 1908 Silver Certificate PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ, which sold for $78,000.
Overall, the Heritage Long Beach Expo US Currency Signature Auction showcased a diverse selection of currency rarities, attracting collectors and enthusiasts from around the world.