How do I check if a $20 is real?

Check the color-shifting 20 (copper to green when tilted), feel for raised printing on Jackson's shoulder, hold to light for watermark, and look for the security thread that glows green under UV. The $20 is the most counterfeited bill, so always verify.

Why is the $20 commonly counterfeited?

The $20 hits a 'sweet spot': valuable enough to be worth counterfeiting, but common enough to avoid suspicion. Cashiers scrutinize $50s and $100s more carefully, while $20s often pass without examination. Always check security features.

Who is on the $20 bill?

Andrew Jackson, the 7th President (1829-1837), has been on the $20 since 1928. Plans to add Harriet Tubman to the front have been proposed but not yet implemented.

Published: January 13, 2025

Tool

Complete $20 Bill Guide

Identify twenty dollar bills, verify authenticity, and spot valuable vintage notes.

$20 Bill Design Evolution

The $20 bill featuring Andrew Jackson has gone through several major redesigns. Knowing which version you have helps determine value and verify authenticity.

Identify old money by era Large-size currency guide

2003-Present

Color-shifting 20, peach/blue background tints, larger portrait.

1998-2003

Large portrait, watermark added, first color-shifting ink.

1990-1998

Security thread and microprinting introduced.

1969-1990

Small portrait, no security features. Still valid.

1928-1969

Small-size notes. Earlier series can be valuable.

Pre-1929

Large-size 'horse blanket' notes. Collector value $75-$2,000+.

$20 Bill Security Features (Current Design)

The $20 is the most counterfeited U.S. bill, with about 60% of all counterfeits. Learn these security features to protect yourself:

How to check if money is real Currency security features guide US Currency Education Program

Color-Shifting 20

Lower right corner changes from copper to green when tilted.

Security Thread

Embedded strip reads 'USA TWENTY'. Glows green under UV light.

Watermark

Hold to light to see Jackson portrait on right side of bill.

Raised Printing

Feel Jackson's shoulder and 'THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'.

Color Background

Subtle peach (center) and blue (left edge) tinting.

Microprinting

'USA20' and 'THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' in tiny text.

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Old $20 Bill Values

While most $20 bills are worth face value, older series and special varieties can command significant premiums:

Check your bill's value Old $100 bills worth money

Series	Type	Circulated Value	Uncirculated Value
1928	Gold Certificate	$50-$150	$300-$800+
1928	Federal Reserve	$25-$40	$75-$200
1934	Federal Reserve	$22-$35	$50-$125
1950	Federal Reserve	$22-$30	$40-$80
1963-1969	Federal Reserve	$20-$25	$30-$50
1974-1988	Federal Reserve	$20	$22-$35
1990-1998	Federal Reserve	$20	$20-$25
1998-Present	Color Design	$20	$20

Why the $20 Is Most Counterfeited

Understanding why counterfeiters target the $20 helps you know when to be vigilant:

Counterfeit detection guide BEP anti-counterfeiting measures

Sweet Spot Value

$20 is valuable enough to profit from but not high enough to trigger suspicion.

Less Scrutiny

Cashiers check $50s and $100s more carefully. $20s often pass unexamined.

High Circulation

Most ATMs dispense $20s, making them common and expected.

Easy to Spend

Counterfeiters prefer small purchases to avoid detection.

Your Defense

Always check color-shifting 20, feel for raised printing, verify watermark.

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Valuable $20 Bill Varieties

These $20 bill types are worth looking for in your collection or change:

Gold certificate guide Fancy serial number checker Rare serial numbers on dollar bills

Gold Certificates

1928 series with gold seal. Worth $50-$800+ depending on condition.

Star Notes

Low print run $20 star notes can be worth $25-$200+.

National Bank Notes

Pre-1935 notes from local banks. Worth varies by issuing bank rarity.

Hawaii Overprint

WWII emergency issue with 'HAWAII' on back. Worth $40-$300.

Fancy Serial Numbers

Solid, ladder, or radar patterns on $20s command strong premiums.

Low Serial Numbers

Numbers under 00001000 add $30-$300+ to value.

Features

How CashScan Helps With $20 Bill

Instant Identification

Scan any $20 bill to identify its series and design.

Security Features

Learn about the security thread, watermark, and color-shifting 20.

Vintage Detection

Identify older designs that may have collector value.

Star Note Finder

Detect star notes worth premiums over face value.

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FAQ

Scan Any $20 Bill FAQ

1928 Gold Certificates ($50-$800+), 1928-1950s Federal Reserve Notes ($25-$200), National Bank Notes ($50-$500+), Hawaii overprints ($40-$300), star notes from low print runs, and any $20 with fancy serial numbers or printing errors.