I've been collecting US banknotes for a while now, mostly just out of circulation. Currently, I'm sticking with one specimen from each FRB for each series, plus the stars. (For $1's and $2's, anyway. I can't yet afford this method for the higher denominations.) I've been considering expanding to collecting by block, but here's the question: is it worth it? I don't really want to tie up my cash in hundreds of low-grade $1 notes. But on the other hand, I really enjoy hunting through notes and I've somewhat exhausted all the commonly-found series/FRB combinations. Is there anyone out there who collects US currency by block? If so, what grade do you prefer? I can't imagine successfully completing a block collection without some hunting through circulated notes. Any advice would be appreciated.
If you enjoy it, then do it. Remember, you only have face value invested so if you decide down the road you have too many low -grade notes in your collection, then spend them. I am personally more of a type collector. At one time, I had a huge $1 circulated star note collection. But, I decided that money was better used elsewhere. So, I cashed the majority of them in and got couple nicer large size notes. You may do the same at some point, but if all you are investing is face value I wouldn't worry about getting too much saved up...as they can easily be liquidated for face value at the bank of need be.
