The large-size Federal Reserve Bank Notes (FRBNs) , also known as National Currency, was issued in two series and in denominations of $1 to $50. They are often confused with National Bank notes because they have the inscription "National Currency" across the top. They feature blue seals and blue serial numbers.
The first issue, Series issue 1915 was authorized by Federal Reserve Act of December 23rd, 1913 and consisted of only of $5, $10 and $20 notes. They were issued by the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas City, Dallas and San Francisco. They are titled as National Currency and are similar to National Bank Notes. The obligation to pay the bearer falls to the specific Federal Reserve Bank, not the United States Treasury Department. The San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank issued only $5 notes. The obligation to pay the bearer is similar to that on the first charter national bank notes, differing only slightly in wording but not in meaning.
The second issue, Series 1918, consisted of $1, $2, $5, $10, $20 and $50 notes issued to all 12 Federal Reserve Banks (though all banks did not necessarily issue all denominations). St Louis was the only district that issued the $50 denomination and is considered a rarity in high grade. The $20 denomination was issued by Atlanta and St Louis only and is also considered a rarity. Although Federal Reserve Bank notes are a rather recent issue, all are quite scarce in high grade.
Treasury Department records show that only slightly more than $2 million is outstanding from a total issue of nearly $762 million.
The
Bureau of Engraving and Printing's (BEP)
takes you to the official government site of the BEP
for some interesting information and facts on all of
our US currency.
US Papermoney will take you to a site that
is full of information on everything you ever wanted
to know about our US currency. Almost everything
anyway. Very cool site!
The American Numismatics Association (ANA) is a
professional organization for those who want to
further learn about US coins and currency.
PMG and
PCGS are the only two TRUE independent
currency-grading services available. I highly
recommend these two companies for those of you who
want to get their currency certified and graded for
insurance purposes or simply, a peace of mind.
Here is a nice GEM example of the famous 1918 $1 Federal Reserve Bank Note (FRBN) from the Cleveland District. The serial number is D787522A and resides in a GEM PMG-65EPQ holder.
This is a very rare 1918 $1 FRBN star from the tough Richmond district with on 9 known. Although circulated it is still very collectiable. the serial number is E254476*. See the large scans for a better description. The latest Murray Book list is in VG fo...
This is a real decent 1918 $1 FRBN star from the Philadelphia District. The serial number is C438257*. It has been graded as a PCGS VF-30. These scarce FRBN star notes are just not readily available a...
PMG POP 1/ None Finer! ONLT PPQ note know in census. This is a star that you do not see very often, especially in this high of a grade. It is a 1918 $1 FRN STAR from the city of Brotherly Love....Phil...