1914 $100 Federal Reserve Note – Chicago | Fr. 1110 | PCGS 53

1914 $100 Federal Reserve Note – Chicago | Fr. 1110 | PCGS 53 About Uncirculated | Rare Large-Size Note

This 1914 $100 Federal Reserve Note from the Chicago District (Fr. 1110) is a scarce and historically significant piece of early U.S. paper currency for seasoned collectors and serious investors. Graded PCGS 53 About Uncirculated, this note exhibits strong color, crisp paper, and excellent preservation, making it a premium addition to any high-end currency collection.

Issued under the Federal Reserve Act of 1913, this large-size $100 bill belongs to the first-ever series of Federal Reserve Notes. It represents a pivotal transition in U.S. monetary history, marking the beginning of the modern Federal Reserve banking system.

Key Features of This 1914 $100 Federal Reserve Note (Fr. 1110 – Chicago Issue)

1. First Large-Size Federal Reserve Notes

• Issued as part of the inaugural series of Federal Reserve Notes, designed to unify and stabilize the U.S. currency system.
• These large-format banknotes (7.375 x 3.125 inches) were gradually replaced by smaller-sized notes starting in 1928.
• Notes of this high denomination were primarily used for bank reserves and large financial transactions, resulting in a low survival rate among collectors today.

2. Historic and Iconic Design

• Obverse (Front): Features a bold and detailed portrait of Benjamin Franklin, symbolizing innovation, diplomacy, and economic foresight.
• Reverse (Back): Showcases the allegorical vignette “Labor, Plenty, and America”, representing the strength and prosperity of the nation.
• Distinctive Blue Treasury Seal and Serial Numbers, identifying it as an early Federal Reserve Note.

3. Chicago District Issue – Fr. 1110 “G” Seal

• Issued by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, denoted by the “G” district seal (7th of the 12 regional banks).
• Federal Reserve Notes from Chicago are less common compared to heavily issued New York or Philadelphia notes.
• This note features the Treasury signatures of John Burke (Treasurer of the U.S.) and William G. McAdoo (Secretary of the Treasury), further solidifying its authenticity and historical importance.

4. PCGS 53 About Uncirculated – High-Quality Collectible

• This note has received a PCGS 53 AU (About Uncirculated) grade, indicating minimal signs of handling, strong ink color, and near-original crispness.
• Exceptional eye appeal, with bold print and well-balanced margins.
• High-grade large-size notes from the 1914 $100 FRN series are increasingly rare, making this a premium investment piece.

Historical Significance of the 1914 $100 Federal Reserve Note

The Federal Reserve Act of 1913 revolutionized American banking, introducing a new standardized currency system under the Federal Reserve. These large-size $100 Federal Reserve Notes were among the first issued, establishing a foundation for the financial structure that remains today.

The $100 denomination was primarily used in banking and commercial transactions, meaning most were heavily circulated and later redeemed. As a result, high-grade surviving examples are exceedingly rare.

Why This Note is a Must-Have for Collectors

✔ First Series of Federal Reserve Notes – A cornerstone of U.S. monetary history.
✔ Large-Size Format – Features detailed engravings and historical designs rarely seen in modern currency.
✔ High-Denomination Rarity – $100 notes had lower print runs and a high redemption rate, making them scarcer today.
✔ Chicago District Note – Fr. 1110 is less common than New York and Philadelphia issues.
✔ Investment-Grade PCGS 53 AU Note – One of the higher-grade surviving examples available today.
✔ Increasing Collector Demand – Early high-denomination FRNs continue to rise in value due to their limited availability.

This 1914 $100 Federal Reserve Note from Chicago (Fr. 1110) is not just a collector’s item—it’s a true relic of America’s financial evolution.

Preservation & Long-Term Value

To maintain the note’s integrity and investment value:

✔ Store in a PCGS or PMG Grading Holder to protect against environmental damage.
✔ Avoid direct handling – Use gloves or currency tweezers to prevent skin oil exposure.
✔ Keep in a cool, dry, climate-controlled space to prevent fading or deterioration.
✔ Store flat to avoid unnecessary creasing.

✔️ Large-Size 1914 $100 Note – A Highly Collectible Piece of U.S. History
✔️ Fr. 1110 (Chicago) – A Scarce & Desirable District
✔️ PCGS AU 53 – Strong Color, Sharp Details & Minimal Wear
✔️ Classic Benjamin Franklin Portrait & Intricate Reverse Design
✔️ A Prime Investment Opportunity for U.S. Currency Collectors

Large-size 1914 $100 Federal Reserve Notes are much harder to find than lower denominations, and high-grade examples like this AU 53 piece are even rarer. This Chicago district note (Fr. 1110) is a standout investment-grade currency piece.

Final Thoughts – A Rare and Exceptional Collectible

This 1914 $100 Federal Reserve Note (Chicago – Fr. 1110, PCGS 53 AU) represents a pivotal moment in U.S. currency history. With Benjamin Franklin’s iconic portrait, its large-size format, and its scarcity as a high-denomination Federal Reserve Note, this is a must-have for any serious collector or investor.

Don’t miss this opportunity to own a true piece of American financial history—secure this rare 1914 $100 FRN today!

This 1914 $100 Federal Reserve Note (Fr. 1110) from the Chicago district is a highly collectible large-size U.S. banknote. Featuring a portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse and a detailed allegorical vignette of Labor, Plenty & America Seizing Opportunity on the reverse, this note represents a significant part of U.S. financial history.

Graded PCGS About Uncirculated 53 (AU 53), this note is in remarkable condition, retaining strong color, sharp details, and minimal circulation wear—a must-have for serious collectors and investors.