💵 $146,000 for a $5,000 Bill?! The Truth About Ultra-Rare U.S. Banknotes

Have you ever seen a $5,000 or $10,000 bill? 🤯
Most people think they’re fake — but surprise! They’re 100% real, and some sell for well over $200,000 today.

$146,000 for a $5,000 Bill

This fascinating topic was explained by Felix, The Coin Professor, in one of his videos — and it’s something every currency collector should know about.


🏦 Yes, $5,000 and $10,000 Bills Really Exist

These ultra-high-denomination bills were once printed by the U.S. Treasury and used only for large financial transactions between banks — not for everyday spending.

They were never meant for public circulation, which makes surviving examples extremely rare and collectible.

🗓️ Issued years:

  • $5,000 bill – first printed in 1918, last issued in 1945
  • $10,000 bill – printed between 1918 and 1945 as well

💰 How Much Are They Worth Today?

Felix shared some jaw-dropping auction results:

“One $5,000 bill sold for $146,000 in 2017!”

And that’s not even the top one…

“A $10,000 bill recently sold for $211,000 at auction!” 😲

That’s over 2,000 times their face value — proof that rare U.S. currency can be worth way more than what’s printed on it.


🔍 Why Are These Bills So Valuable?

There are a few key reasons collectors will pay six figures for these notes:

  1. Rarity: Very few survived — most were destroyed by the Federal Reserve.
  2. Condition: Crisp, uncirculated examples bring record prices.
  3. Historical Significance: Each note connects to a time when America’s banking system worked very differently.
  4. Design: These notes feature detailed engravings and bold portraits — true works of art in paper money.

🧾 Did You Know?

  • The $5,000 bill features James Madison, the 4th U.S. President.
  • The $10,000 bill features Salmon P. Chase, the U.S. Treasury Secretary during the Civil War.
  • The largest U.S. bill ever printed was the $100,000 Gold Certificate, but it was never released to the public.

⚠️ Beware of Fakes Online

Many online listings and “replica bills” are souvenirs, not real currency.
If you ever find one that seems authentic, always get it verified by a professional grader like PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) or PCGS Currency.


📺 Watch the Full Lesson by The Coin Professor

Want to see these amazing bills for yourself?
👉 Watch Felix’s full video where he shows the real $5,000 and $10,000 notes — and explains how they ended up selling for six figures!
(Embed or link your teacher’s video here)


🧠 Final Thought

Most of us will never hold one of these rare banknotes in person — but just knowing they exist shows how incredible U.S. currency history really is. 🇺🇸💵

So next time you hear someone say “money doesn’t grow on trees,” remember… sometimes, it hides in a collector’s vault worth $200,000! 😄


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