I see so many notes that are so historical but I don't want to have to pay $100+ for one.. Anyone have any suggestions for us value shoppers in this category?
Paper currency is just like coins, grade makes all the difference. Depending on the note, a low grade example might fit into your budget. Paper has so many more designs than coins is not even funny...so you should look for a design or series that you like and go from there. I guess the first place to start is small sized verses large sized currency (for US). Prior to 1928, the bills were bigger. This change in size is considered an easy to recognize point of division in currency and many people define their collections by it. Up to this point I have mainly collected small sized myself. So, I guess what I would suggest is find a type of note you like and then try and fit your budget to that type.
Look into MPC's (Military Payment Certificates). Lots of history behind them and decent examples can still be had relatively cheap.
as you can see from the answers provided thus far - yes! Alot of US notes can be found for $40 and under. My web site has alot of such examples Some notes can be found in top grades for $40 and under, while some notes would have to be a lower grade for $40 and under. alot of the modern FRn's can be found for $40 and less, silver certs, LTN's and even FRBN's can be found for that price range. Not too many large size notes can be found for the price however. Sure, there might be a note here or there, but i dont think its the norm. Happy hunting
The 1935 Series of $1 Silver Certificates is a challenging option, which includes Hawaiian, N. Africa, wide/narrow, motto/no motto, experimental, stars, mules, all in one series and many can be had for less than $40 in top grades.
I've also noticed there's some decent pricing on obsolete bank notes. I think they are undervalued on a whole.
Obsolete banknotes from the 1850's and 1860s pack a lot of punch for the bucks spent on them, they are colourful, lovely designs, larger than today's currency and often have fascinating vignettes of locomotives, steam ships, sailing ships etc. I think I got this one a couple of months ago for around $40: If you look around enough, these can be found fairly inexpensively also: Find the right seller and these can be found under $40 also:
I see that retirement plan is kicking in.... Nice notes for under $40, hmmm? I'd say just look around, and buy something that you like.
