The $500 bill is one of the most famous discontinued denominations in U.S. currency history. Although no longer printed, genuine $500 bills remain legal tender and are highly sought after by collectors.
If you’re wondering “How much is a 500 dollar bill worth?”, the answer depends on the bill’s series, condition, serial number, and rarity.
Most surviving examples are worth significantly more than their $500 face value.
$500 Bill Value Chart
| Series | Type | Seal | Circulated Value | Uncirculated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1862 | United States Note | Red | $2,000–$8,000 | $20,000+ |
| 1869 | United States Note | Red | $3,000–$12,000 | $30,000+ |
| 1875 | United States Note | Red | $2,500–$10,000 | $25,000+ |
| 1880 | Legal Tender Note | Red | $4,000–$20,000 | $50,000+ |
| 1890 | Treasury Note | Red | $5,000–$25,000 | $75,000+ |
| 1891 | Treasury Note | Red | $4,000–$20,000 | $60,000+ |
| 1918 | Federal Reserve Note | Blue | $2,000–$10,000 | $25,000+ |
| 1928 | Federal Reserve Note | Green | $800–$2,500 | $7,500+ |
| 1934 | Federal Reserve Note | Green | $700–$2,000 | $5,000+ |
| 1934A | Federal Reserve Note | Green | $800–$2,500 | $7,500+ |
Modern Market Value of a $500 Bill
The most common collectible $500 bill is the 1934 Federal Reserve Note featuring President William McKinley.
| Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Heavily Circulated | $700–$1,200 |
| Average Circulated | $1,200–$2,000 |
| Extremely Fine | $2,000–$4,000 |
| Uncirculated | $5,000–$10,000+ |
Who Is on the $500 Bill?
Most collectible $500 bills feature:
William McKinley
- 25th President of the United States
- Served from 1897 to 1901
- Appears on the 1928 and 1934 series
His portrait is one of the most recognizable images on large-denomination U.S. currency.
Why Is the $500 Bill Valuable?
Limited Supply
The U.S. government stopped printing $500 bills decades ago.
Most were withdrawn from circulation and destroyed, leaving a limited number available to collectors.
Historical Importance
The $500 bill was often used for:
- Large business transactions
- Bank transfers
- Financial settlements
Today, it is considered a historic collectible.
Collector Demand
Demand remains strong because the note is both rare and famous.
Are $500 Bills Still Legal Tender?
Yes.
Although they are no longer printed, genuine $500 bills remain legal tender in the United States.
However, most collectors would never spend one because their collector value is usually much higher than face value.
Star Note $500 Bill Value
Star Notes are replacement notes identified by a star symbol (★) in the serial number.
Because few survive, they are among the most desirable $500 bills.
| Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated Star Note | $2,500–$15,000+ |
| Uncirculated Star Note | $10,000–$50,000+ |
Valuable Serial Numbers
Rare serial numbers can add substantial premiums.
Collectors look for:
- 00000001
- Low serial numbers
- Radar serial numbers
- Repeater serial numbers
- Solid serial numbers
A rare serial number on a $500 bill can increase its value dramatically.
Rare $500 Bill Types Worth Checking
| Feature | Potential Value |
|---|---|
| Star Note | $2,500–$50,000+ |
| Low Serial Number | $5,000–$100,000+ |
| Radar Serial Number | $2,500–$25,000+ |
| Repeater Serial Number | $2,500–$25,000+ |
| Solid Serial Number | $25,000–$250,000+ |
| Printing Error | $2,500–$50,000+ |
| Treasury Note | Often worth tens of thousands |
| Uncirculated Condition | Major premium |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a $500 bill worth more than $500?
Yes. Most genuine examples sell for significantly more than face value.
Can I spend a $500 bill?
Yes, it remains legal tender, although collectors generally pay much more than $500.
What is the rarest $500 bill?
Many collectors consider the 1890 Treasury Notes among the rarest and most valuable.
How many $500 bills still exist?
Thousands survive, but far fewer than modern denominations.
Are Star Note $500 bills valuable?
Yes. Rare Star Notes can be worth thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.
Final Thoughts
If you’re asking how much is a 500 dollar bill worth, the answer can range from $700 to well over $100,000, depending on the series, condition, rarity, and serial number.
Most collectors seek the 1928 and 1934 issues featuring William McKinley, while older Treasury Notes and Star Notes can command extraordinary premiums.
Before selling a $500 bill, always check its year, serial number, condition, and whether it is a Star Note—you could be holding a valuable piece of American currency history.
