The Evolution Of The $100 Bill

People are freaking out over the new $100 bills. Here's how they looked in ye olde days.

Pre-1860s

Pre-1860s

When we didn't have a centralized bank, private banks would issue their own notes. So your paper "money" might look different depending on what institution you got it at.

Source: vernpotter.com

1860s

1860s

At this point — during the Civil War — these United States Notes or Legal Tender gained a nickname you've probably heard: Greenbacks.

Source: planetoddity.com

1860s

1860s

The Confederacy actually had currency of their own. And it certainly reflected the values and circumstances of the South — this note depicts a slave loading cotton into a wagon.

Source: rebelstatescurrency.com

1863

1863

A very rare Gold Certificate. This would have represented actual gold coins. It's up for auction with a starting bid of $900,000. So if you have money...to buy money...go for it.

Source: currency.ha.com


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