What We Buy
We buy Gold Certificates, Silver Certificates (large & small size), Large Size U.S. Treasury Notes & Type Notes, Small Size Federal Reserve Notes, High-Denomination Notes ($500, $1,000+), Confederate & Republic of Texas Currency, WWII Emergency & Hawaii Notes, Fractional Currency, Error Notes & Misprints, and Obsolete Banknotes.
How We Determine Paper Currency Value
Paper money value depends on several factors working together.
Rarity
Low-population notes or specific series command premiums. Some Silver Certificates, for instance, are common while others are extremely rare based on series, signatures, and seal types.
Condition
Paper money condition is graded on a scale similar to coins. Uncirculated notes with crisp paper and sharp corners are significantly more valuable than worn or damaged examples. Professional grading from PMG or PCGA Currency adds credibility and value.
Historical Significance
Certain issues—like WWII Hawaii overprints or high-denomination Gold Certificates—carry historical premiums beyond their face value or metal backing.
Serial Numbers
Unique serial numbers (low numbers, fancy numbers, star notes) can add significant value to otherwise common notes. A note with serial number 00000001 or 12345678, for example, can be worth hundreds or thousands more than a regular serial.
Errors
Printing errors like misaligned designs, missing elements, ink problems, or cutting errors create rare varieties that collectors actively seek. Some errors are worth hundreds or thousands.
Market Demand
Popular series like large-size Silver Certificates or Confederate currency have active collector markets, which drives prices higher. Demand shifts over time as collector interests evolve.
A Brief History of U.S. Paper Currency
The Continental Congress notes financed early America. Most are extremely rare today and highly collectible, though some were printed in large quantities and can still be found.
Confederate & fractional notes circulated when gold and silver were hoarded for the war effort. Values today depend heavily on condition and rarity. Confederate currency is particularly popular with collectors interested in Civil War history.
Large-size U.S. notes and fractional currency supported reconstruction. These notes, issued from the 1860s through the 1920s, are among the most beautiful paper money ever produced by the United States.
Gold and Silver Certificates are backed by precious metals. Silver Certificates remained in circulation through the 1960s and are still occasionally found in old collections. Gold Certificates were discontinued in 1933 when gold ownership was restricted.
Small-size notes, Military Payment Certificates, and WWII emergency issues shaped modern collecting. The transition to small-size notes in 1928 marked a significant change in U.S. currency design.
Why Sell Your Paper Money to Xenia Coin Shop
Specialized Knowledge Beyond Generic Gold Buyers
Most "cash for gold" operations don't understand paper money. We do. We track auction results, understand grading nuances, and recognize rare varieties that other buyers miss.
Transparent, Research-Backed Offers
We show you how we determine value—referencing recent auction sales, condition assessments, and current collector demand. You'll understand exactly why a note is valued the way it is.
Expert Appraisers Who Stay Current
Our team stays current on market trends, auction results, and emerging collector interests. We catch details—serial numbers, error varieties, condition rarities—that other buyers overlook.
Free Evaluations, No Pressure
No appointment needed—just bring your notes in. Get your evaluation, hear our offer, and take your time deciding.
Immediate Payment
Accept our offer and leave with cash or a check the same day.
40+ Years of Expertise in Numismatics and Currency
A trusted name in the Miami Valley community.
Common Valuable Paper Money
Here are examples of paper money that often carry significant value:
Silver Certificates (1878-1957)
Large-size examples from the 1880s-1920s often bring premiums, particularly those with rare signature combinations or seal types. Small-size notes from 1928-1957 are common, but particular series, star notes, and low serial numbers can be valuable. Educational Series notes from 1896 are among the most beautiful and valuable U.S. notes.
Gold Certificates (1863-1933)
Highly collectible. Large-size examples from the late 1800s and early 1900s command substantial premiums. Small-size Gold Certificates from 1928 are rarer and more valuable than most Silver Certificates. High-denomination Gold Certificates ($500, $1,000+) are particularly sought after.
Large Size Notes (1861-1929)
United States Notes, Treasury Notes, and National Bank Notes from this era are popular with collectors. Condition and rarity vary widely—some are worth $50, others $5,000+. National Bank Notes, issued by individual banks, are collected both by note type and by the issuing bank's location.
High-Denomination Notes
$500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000 notes were discontinued in 1969. They're rare and highly collectible, with values often exceeding face value by multiples. Even more common high-denomination notes carry significant collector premiums.
Confederate Currency (1861-1865)
Values range from $10 for common worn notes to thousands for rare issues in high grade. Condition and issue date matter significantly. Some early, low-denomination Confederate notes in pristine condition can be quite valuable.
WWII Emergency Notes
Hawaii overprints and North Africa Yellow Seal notes were issued during wartime for use in specific theaters. If these areas were invaded, the notes could be declared worthless to prevent enemy use. They're collectible and values depend on denomination and condition.
Error Notes
Misaligned printing, missing serial numbers, ink smears, or cutting errors create valuable varieties. Some errors are worth hundreds or thousands. Dramatic errors—like inverted overprints or major misalignments—command the highest premiums.
Fractional Currency (1862-1876)
Small-denomination notes were issued during the Civil War and after, when coins were hoarded. Common examples bring $10-$50. Rare issues or high-grade examples can bring much more. These tiny notes are popular with collectors due to their historical significance and compact size.
Star Notes
Notes with a star symbol in the serial number were printed to replace defective notes. They're rarer than regular notes and carry premiums, particularly in higher grades or for scarce series.
Low Serial Numbers
Notes with serial numbers under 100, and especially under 10, command premiums. Notes with serial number 00000001 can be worth thousands or tens of thousands, depending on the denomination and series.
Fancy Serial Numbers
Repeating digits (11111111), ladders (12345678), radars (12344321), and other patterns are highly collectible. Values depend on how "fancy" the number is and the note's condition.
Inherited a Currency Collection?
Many of our clients come to us with inherited collections—a box of old bills from a grandparent, a family member's lifetime accumulation, or an estate liquidation need.
We'll sit down with you, go through the notes, and explain what's valuable and why. No jargon, no pressure—just clear guidance so you can make informed decisions about what to keep, what to sell, and what it's worth.
Serving Paper Money Sellers Throughout Ohio
We work with currency sellers in Xenia, Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, Beavercreek, Springfield, Kettering, Wilmington, and across the Miami Valley.
