Old $20 Dollar Bills Worth Money: Value Guide by Series and Year

Quick Answer: Most old $20 bills from 1990 onward are worth $20-$25. Bills from 1950-1988 can be worth $25-$75+. Early small-size twenties from 1928-1934 may fetch $40-$500+. Large-size $20 bills (pre-1929) are the real prizes, with values ranging from $75 to over $5,000 depending on type and condition.

Have you found an old $20 bill that looks different from what you normally see at the ATM? Whether it came from a relative's collection or turned up in a drawer, it could be worth significantly more than face value. This guide covers every major series of $20 bill ever issued, what each is worth, and how to figure out exactly what you have.

$20 Bill Value Quick Reference

Values based on recent Heritage Auctions sales data and dealer pricing for circulated to uncirculated examples.

Modern $20 Bills (1998-Present)

Current Color Design (2003-Present)

The $20 bill was the first denomination to receive the modern color treatment in 2003, adding subtle background colors of blue and peach along with an updated security thread and watermark.

Series available:

• 2017A (current)
• 2013
• 2009
• 2006
• 2004A
• 2004

Value: These are worth face value ($20) unless they have fancy serial numbers or are star notes. Star notes from lower-print-run series may bring $22-$30.

"Big Head" Design (1998-2003A)

The 1998 series introduced a larger, off-center portrait of Andrew Jackson, moving away from the centered design used since 1928.

Features:

• Larger, off-center Jackson portrait
• Watermark of Jackson visible when held to light
• Color-shifting ink on the lower-right "20"
• Fine-line printing patterns to deter counterfeiting

Value:

Star notes add a $5-$15 premium on these series.

Small Head $20 Bills (1928-1995)

Before the 1998 redesign, $20 bills featured a smaller, centered portrait of Andrew Jackson. These older twenties are where collector value begins to climb.

1990s Series (1990-1995)

These were the last of the "small head" twenties and carry only a slight premium in uncirculated condition.

1980s Series (1981-1988A)

1970s Series (1969-1977)

The 1969B series had a low print run and is notably scarcer than other 1969 variants.

1950s-1960s Series

The 1950E series is scarcer than most 1950 variants. Notes from less common Federal Reserve districts can command an extra $5-$15 above these ranges.

1928-1934 Series (Early Small Size)

The earliest small-size $20 bills carry real collector premiums. These were the first $20 bills in the current 6.14" x 2.61" size, issued starting in 1928.

Federal Reserve Notes:

Gold Certificates (1928): The 1928 $20 gold certificate is highly collectible. These notes originally were redeemable for $20 in gold coin and feature a distinctive gold Treasury seal and serial numbers.

National Bank Notes (1929): Small-size national bank notes carry the name of the issuing bank on the face of the bill. Values depend heavily on which bank issued the note.

Large-Size $20 Bills (Pre-1929)

Before 1929, all U.S. currency was approximately 7.42" x 3.13", noticeably larger than modern bills. Large-size $20 bills are prized by collectors both for their beauty and historical significance.

Types of Large-Size $20 Bills

Federal Reserve Notes (1914-1918)

The most commonly found large-size $20 bills. Both the 1914 blue-seal and 1914 red-seal varieties exist.

Red Seal (1914): The earlier variety with a red Treasury seal. Value: $100-$750+ depending on condition and district.

Blue Seal (1914): More common than the red seal. Value: $75-$400+ depending on condition and district.

Gold Certificates

Large-size $20 gold certificates are among the most beautiful U.S. banknotes, featuring vivid gold-colored seals and serial numbers. The 1882 series and 1905-1922 series are the main types available to collectors.

1905 "Technicolor" Note: The 1905 $20 gold certificate is nicknamed the "Technicolor" note for its stunning combination of red, gold, and black inks. This is one of the most visually striking U.S. notes ever printed and commands strong premiums.

National Bank Notes

Large-size $20 national bank notes were issued by individual banks across the country from 1863 to 1929. Each note carries the bank's name, city, and charter number. Collectors prize notes from their home states or small towns.

Value by bank rarity:

Legal Tender Notes

Also called United States Notes, these carry red seals and were among the earliest paper currency issued during and after the Civil War. Large-size $20 legal tender notes from the 1860s-1880s are rare and valuable.

Value ranges:

What Makes an Old $20 Bill Valuable?

1. Series Year and Type

The single biggest factor in determining value. As a general rule:

• Pre-1929 large-size notes are the most valuable
• 1928-1934 small-size notes carry solid premiums
• 1950s-1960s notes have modest premiums in high grades
• 1980s-1990s notes are barely above face value unless uncirculated

2. Condition

Condition is the second most important factor. Learn more in our guide to grading paper money.

3. Star Notes

Star notes (replacement notes with a star symbol in the serial number) are always scarcer than regular issues. Premiums vary by era:

• Modern star notes (1990s-present): 5-15% premium
• Mid-century stars (1950s-1970s): 25-75% premium
• Early small-size stars (1928-1934): 2x-5x regular note value
• Large-size stars: Extremely rare, often 3x-10x regular value

4. Serial Number

Fancy serial numbers add value regardless of the series:

• Low numbers (00000001-00000100): $100-$500+ premium
• Solid numbers (88888888): $200-$1,500+ premium
• Ladders (12345678): $100-$750+ premium
• Radar/Palindromes: $25-$100 premium

5. Federal Reserve District

Twelve Federal Reserve Banks issue currency, and some districts print far fewer notes than others. Minneapolis, Kansas City, Dallas, and St. Louis notes tend to be scarcer and may carry a modest premium (typically 5-15% above common districts like New York or Chicago).

6. Errors

Printing errors on $20 bills can add dramatic value. Because $20s are the most-produced denomination (roughly 25% of all bills printed by the BEP), error twenties do turn up in circulation from time to time.

How to Identify Your Old $20 Bill

Step 1: Check the Size

Hold the bill against a modern $20 for comparison:

• Same size (6.14" x 2.61"): Small-size note, 1928 or later
• Noticeably larger (7.42" x 3.13"): Large-size note, pre-1929. Definitely valuable.

Step 2: Find the Series Year

Look for the series year printed on the face of the bill, typically near the bottom right of the portrait. It may include a letter suffix (e.g., 1934A, 1950C).

Step 3: Identify the Note Type

Read the text printed across the top of the face:

• "Federal Reserve Note" (most common, green seal)
• "Gold Certificate" (gold seal, very collectible)
• "Silver Certificate" (blue seal, see our silver certificate value guide)
• "United States Note" (red seal, scarcer)
• "National Currency" with a bank name (collectible, value depends on bank)

Step 4: Assess Condition

Handle the bill carefully. Avoid folding, cleaning, or pressing it. Count the number of folds, check for tears or stains, and note the overall crispness of the paper.

Step 5: Look for Special Features

Check for:

• A star (★) at the beginning or end of the serial number
• Fancy serial number patterns (repeating digits, low numbers, palindromes)
• Printing errors (misalignment, missing ink, extra printing)

Step 6: Scan with CashScan

Use the CashScan app to instantly identify your bill's series, denomination design, and key characteristics. The app can help you narrow down exactly which variety you have, so you know where to look for accurate pricing.

Andrew Jackson on the $20: A Brief History

Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States, has appeared on the $20 bill since 1928, when the small-size currency format was introduced. Ironically, Jackson was a vocal opponent of centralized banking and fought to dismantle the Second Bank of the United States during his presidency.

Before Jackson, the $20 note featured various designs depending on the type:

• Large-size legal tender notes featured allegorical figures and historical scenes
• Gold certificates featured the bald eagle
• National bank notes used standardized vignettes including battle scenes and patriotic imagery

The Treasury Department has announced plans to redesign the $20 bill with Harriet Tubman on the face, which would make current Jackson twenties even more collectible once the new design enters circulation.

Where to Sell Valuable $20 Bills

For Bills Worth $20-$75

• eBay: Largest audience for mid-range notes. Check completed listings first to set realistic prices.
• Reddit communities: r/papermoney and r/coins4sale are active marketplaces with knowledgeable buyers.
• Local coin shops: Quick sale, but expect 50-70% of retail value.

For Bills Worth $75-$500

• Heritage Auctions: The largest U.S. currency auction house. Their buyer base drives strong prices.
• Stack's Bowers: Another premier auction house for currency.
• Currency shows: Bring the note to a major numismatic show for in-person offers from multiple dealers.
• Consider professional grading by PMG or PCGS Currency before selling.

For Bills Worth $500+

• Major auction houses: Heritage or Stack's Bowers will maximize your return.
• Professional grading is essential: A PMG or PCGS slab authenticates the note and protects it.
• Consignment: Auction houses typically charge 15-20% seller fees but consistently achieve the highest realized prices.

For more selling strategies, see our guide on where to sell old paper money.

Common Old $20 Bills That Are NOT Worth a Premium

Not every old-looking $20 bill is valuable. These are commonly mistaken for rare notes:

• 1990s and 2000s series in circulated condition: Worth $20. The most common "old" twenties people find.
• Slightly off-center modern notes: Minor centering differences are normal manufacturing tolerances, not errors.
• Worn 1970s-1980s notes: Heavy circulation reduces these to face value or very close to it.
• "Old-looking" notes that are just dirty: Soil and grime make modern notes look older than they are. Check the series year.

When in doubt, scan the bill with CashScan to confirm the series before assuming it is valuable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are old $20 bills still accepted at stores?

Yes. All U.S. currency ever issued remains legal tender and can be spent or deposited at face value. However, spending a collectible $20 bill means losing any premium above face value. Always check the value first.

Which old $20 bill is the most valuable?

The most valuable $20 bills are large-size notes from before 1929. The 1905 "Technicolor" $20 gold certificate is among the most sought-after, with high-grade examples selling for over $5,000 at auction. Legal tender notes from the Civil War era and rare territorial national bank notes can also reach five figures.

How can I tell if my $20 bill is a star note?

Look at the serial number printed in green ink on the face of the bill. If there is a small star symbol (★) at the beginning or end of the number, it is a star note (a replacement for a defective bill). Star notes are always scarcer than standard issues.

Should I clean my old $20 bill?

Never clean, wash, iron, or press an old bill. Any form of cleaning damages the paper fibers and removes original ink, which destroys collector value. Professional graders can detect cleaned notes and will assign lower grades or "net" grades as a result.

What is the difference between a $20 gold certificate and a regular $20?

Gold certificates were originally redeemable for their face value in gold coin. They feature gold-colored Treasury seals and serial numbers instead of the green ink used on Federal Reserve Notes. Gold certificates became illegal to hold in 1933 (the restriction was lifted in 1964), making surviving examples scarcer and more collectible.

Is the Harriet Tubman $20 bill in circulation yet?

As of early 2026, the Harriet Tubman $20 bill redesign has not yet entered circulation. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing has been working on updated security features for the new design. Once the new note is released, older Jackson-design twenties may see increased collector interest.

Are consecutive serial number $20 bills valuable?

Bills with consecutive serial numbers (e.g., from a bank strap) are not significantly more valuable individually. However, matched sets of consecutive uncirculated notes can attract a modest premium from collectors who appreciate complete runs.

Conclusion

The $20 bill is the workhorse of American currency, and millions of older twenties are still in circulation or tucked away in collections. While most post-1990 twenties are worth face value, earlier series (particularly pre-1929 large-size notes and 1928-1934 small-size varieties) can carry premiums ranging from a few dollars to several thousand.

Before spending that old $20, take a moment to check the series year, note type, condition, and any special features like star notes or fancy serial numbers. Also explore our guides to rare dollar bills worth money and old $100 bills worth money for more denomination-specific value information.

Have an old $20 bill? Scan it with CashScan to instantly identify the series and learn about its history and potential value.

Download CashScan free on the App Store to identify any banknote.