Rare Red Seal Notes: Values, Varieties, and What Collectors Should Pay in 2025
The most valuable U.S. Red Seal Notes include the 1928 $2 and $5 Legal Tender Notes, the extremely rare 1928 $100 Red Seal, and high-grade 1966 $100 Red Seal issues. Depending on rarity and condition, Red Seals range from $20 to over $12,000, with early 1928 series and high-denomination red seals being the most sought after by collectors.
Quick Facts Table (Well-Structured)
| Red Seal Note | Series | Rarity Level | Typical Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2 Legal Tender | 1928 | Rare | $50–$2,500+ |
| $5 Legal Tender | 1928 | Scarce | $150–$4,000+ |
| $100 Legal Tender | 1928 | Extremely Rare | $900–$12,000+ |
| $2 Legal Tender | 1953 | Common | $10–$120 |
| $2 Legal Tender | 1963 | Common | $20–$200 |
| $100 United States Note | 1966 | Scarce | $200–$4,500+ |
| Fancy Serial Red Seals | All | Rare | $200–$10,000+ |
Introducing Red Seal Banknotes
Red Seal Notes are among the most iconic and collectible U.S. banknotes. Issued primarily as United States Notes (also known as Legal Tender Notes), they feature bold red seals and red serial numbers — making them visually striking and historically important.
Collectors love Red Seals because:
- They were printed in limited quantities
- They represent a discontinued form of U.S. currency
- Early series are rare and valuable
- High-denomination red seals are extremely scarce
This guide covers the most valuable Red Seal notes, how to identify rare varieties, and what collectors should pay in 2025.
1. What Is a Red Seal Note?
A Red Seal Note is a type of U.S. Legal Tender Note printed with:
- A red treasury seal
- Red serial numbers
- “United States Note” printed at the top
They were issued between 1928 and 1966, after which Legal Tender Notes were retired.
2. Why Are Red Seal Notes Valuable?
1. Low Print Runs for Early Series
1928 Red Seals had extremely limited production.
2. High-Denomination Scarcity
Very few $100 Red Seals survived in high grade.
3. Strong Collector Demand
Red Seals are easy to identify, making them popular among new and advanced collectors.
4. Serial Number Varieties
Fancy serials dramatically increase value.
5. Age and Historical Significance
Red Seals represent a discontinued currency system from the early 20th century.
3. Complete Breakdown: Valuable Red Seal Notes (1928–1966)
3.1. The 1928 $2 Red Seal (Legal Tender Note)
One of the most loved small-sized notes among collectors.
Why It’s Valuable
- First small-size $2 Legal Tender Note
- Scarce in high grade
- Popular denomination
Value Range
- Circulated: $50–$200
- Uncirculated: $300–$2,500+
- Fancy Serial Uncirculated: $3,000–$10,000+
3.2. The 1928 $5 Red Seal (Legal Tender Note)
Harder to find than the $2 in high grade.
Why It’s Valuable
- Low survival rate
- Early design
- Strong collector demand
Value Range
- Circulated: $150–$800
- Uncirculated (63–65): $900–$3,000
- Gem Unc (65–67): $3,000–$4,000+
3.3. The Ultra-Rare 1928 $100 Red Seal
One of the rarest Red Seal notes ever issued.
Why It’s Valuable
- Extremely small print run
- High denomination, few survived
- Scarce in all grades
- Very rare in Gem Uncirculated
Value Range
- Circulated: $900–$2,500
- AU: $3,000–$6,000
- Uncirculated: $7,000–$12,000+
Collector Insight
This is one of the most aggressively collected U.S. small-size notes — a crown jewel for serious collectors.
3.4. The 1953 $2 Red Seal (Common but Popular)
A good beginner entry point.
Value Range
- Circulated: $10–$30
- Uncirculated: $40–$120
- Fancy serial: $200–$2,000+
3.5. The 1963 $2 Red Seal (Common)
The last Red Seal $2 bill before U.S. currency modernization.
Value Range
- Circulated: $15–$30
- Uncirculated: $40–$150
- High-end fancy serials: $200–$3,000+
3.6. The 1966 $100 Red Seal (United States Note)
A collector favorite.
Why It’s Valuable
- High denomination
- Low circulation
- Rare in high grade
Value Range
- Circulated: $200–$900
- AU: $1,200–$2,500
- Uncirculated (63–65): $3,000–$4,500+
- Fancy serials: $5,000–$20,000+
3.7. Fancy Serial Number Red Seals (ANY Series)
Fancy serial Red Seals have become a major investment category.
Most Valuable Patterns
- Solids (e.g., 77777777)
- Ladders (12345678 or 87654321)
- Radars (12344321)
- Repeaters (ABABABAB)
- Low serials (00000001–00000100)
Value Range
$200 – $10,000+, depending on rarity and grade.
4. Which Red Seals Are the Best Investment?
Here are the strongest-performing categories for 2025:
1. 1928 $100 Red Seal
A blue-chip rarity.
2. High-grade 1928 $2 and $5 Red Seals
Demand far outpaces supply.
3. 1966 $100 Red Seal in PMG/PCGS 65–67
Popular + affordable investment.
4. Fancy Serial Red Seals
Values continue rising yearly.
5. Red Seal Star Notes (Very Rare)
Especially early $2 and $5 stars.
5. How to Authenticate Red Seals
1. Look for Original Paper Quality
Should be slightly textured (not smooth).
2. Examine Red Ink Color
Real Red Seals never bleed or shimmer.
3. Check for Altered Serial Numbers
Red serials make tampering more obvious.
4. Verify with PMG or PCGS
Red Seals over $200 should be graded.
6. How to Store Red Seal Notes
- Use archival-quality Mylar sleeves
- Avoid PVC plastics entirely
- Keep in low-humidity environments
- Store in a flat, dark place
- Grade high-value examples
7. Red Seal Auction Records (Recent)
| Note | Grade | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1928 $100 Red Seal | PMG 64 | $11,700 |
| 1966 $100 Red Seal | PMG 67 | $4,900 |
| 1928 $2 Red Seal | PCGS 67 | $3,850 |
| Solid Serial Red Seal | Various | $5,000–$15,000 |
8. Where to Buy Rare Red Seals
✔ RareUSBanknotes.com — Trusted Since 2012
✔ Family-owned notaphily specialists
✔ All Red Seal notes authenticated
✔ High-grade, rare, and investment-level notes
✔ Secure checkout + safe shipping
You can browse the category: /red-seal-notes-for-sale
9. FAQs (Frequently asked questions)
Q1: What is the rarest Red Seal Note?
The 1928 $100 Red Seal is among the rarest, often valued between $7,000–$12,000+.
Q2: Are $2 Red Seal Notes valuable?
Yes — especially the 1928 series, which can reach $2,500+ in high grade.
Q3: Are 1953 or 1963 Red Seals worth money?
Yes, usually between $10–$150, but fancy serials can reach thousands.
Q4: Do Red Seal Notes still have legal tender value?
Yes — they are legal tender for face value, but worth far more to collectors.
Q5: Are Red Seal Notes a good investment?
Yes — early series, high denominations, and high-grade examples consistently increase in value.
