Circulated $20 1985 US Federal Reserve Small Notes

Circulated $20 1985 US Federal Reserve Small Notes: From Commodity to Collectible

The 1985 $20 bill is surprisingly collectible despite its relatively current vintage. Misprints, unusual serial numbers, and overall condition of the bill all contribute to the value of the currency. A circulated $20 bill from 1985 can be a unique part of your currency collection, and you can look for these bills on eBay.

What is a 1985 $20 bill worth?

Most used 1985 $20 bills are worth face value or slightly higher. However, several factors can increase the price of the 1985 series $20 bill. Significant printing errors can increase the cost of a 1985 $20 bill to hundreds of dollars. However, more minor errors can produce affordable 1985 $20 bills, typically priced under $50. These reasonably priced bills can be the cornerstone of your collection.

The most valuable serial numbers

Some types of serial numbers increase the 1985 $20 bill's value. One example is star serial numbers. These serial numbers arise from a misprinted sheet of currency. The Federal Reserve destroys the misprinted sheet and issues a replacement sheet. Duplicate serial numbers are not allowed. Thus, the last letter of the serial number is replaced with the star symbol. This type of misprint is relatively rare and increases the value of the bill. The 1985 series $20 bill had nine sheets of star serial numbers issued.

Other serial numbers that are more collectible include extraordinarily high or low serial numbers, e.g., 00000001 or 99999990. You might also choose to collect solids. Solids contain only a single number, such as 55555555. Near solids, which contain mostly one number, such as 55555155, are also collectible. Binary serials only contain two unique numbers, such as 14141441. Binaries also command a premium. You can also collect trinary serial numbers, which contain only three numbers.

Other factors that impact a used 1985 $20 bill's value

Outside of special factors like misprints, the strongest driver of price is the condition of the bill. The closer the bill is to uncirculated, the more expensive the currency is. A grade from a certifying agency tends to increase the value of the money. Some currency is self-graded. This can increase the value if you trust the grader.

You should look for these factors that increase the value of paper money:

• Cleanliness
• Crispness
• High sheen
• Bright colors
• Intact corners
• Lack of wrinkles or folds
• No tears
• No handwriting or graffiti

Content provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.