1 Answer

$500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000 Federal Reserve Notes

Most $500 and $1,000 bills are quite common, and are typically worth only a small premium over face value. Circulated 1934 series notes are usually worth from $500 to $800 for the $500s and from $1,000 to $1,400 for the $1,000s, depending on condition. The 1928 series usually carries an extra 10% to 20% premium. Uncirculated $500 and $1,000 bills are quite desirable, although they are usually worth no more than twice face value. All Star Note high denomination bills are very rare, and $5,000 and $10,000 bills are worth much more than face value unless they are damaged, and we would suggest consultation with one of our currency experts if you possess one of these notes.

As an aside, it is interesting how poorly high denomination notes have performed as an investment. Anyone would have fared much, much better by depositing the $500 or $1,000 in even a low-interest savings account in the 1940's or 1950's when these circulated, as the return would have been much higher than on a $500 or $1,000 bill. In fact, the return on $5,000 and $10,000 bills is very poor compared to other investments-yes, even the stock market, where despite the bear market of the last couple of years, $5,000 or $10,000 invested in stocks when these notes were printed would be worth many multiples of what these notes are now worth. The moral is, of course, that if you are "hanging on" to high denomination notes in the hopes that they are a good investment and will be worth much more one day, history is not encouraging.

http://currency.ha.com/worth/currency-value.s