Ultimate Guide to $20 US Dollar Bills: Complete History, Collectible Value Chart, and Full List of All $20 Notes Ever Issued

The $20 bill is not just one of the most commonly circulated banknotes in the United States—it’s also one of the most collectible. From 19th-century gold certificates to the high-tech polymer-infused paper of today, the $20 US note has undergone significant transformations. This comprehensive guide gives you a complete list of all $20 bills, their history, design changes, and collector value in 2025.

📜 Brief History of the $20 US Dollar Bill

The $20 denomination has evolved dramatically since its first issuance in the 1800s.

1. Large Size Notes (1860s–1928)

These notes were larger than today's bills and were issued as Gold Certificates, National Bank Notes, Silver Certificates, and Legal Tender Notes.

These early issues are highly sought after and often sold through major auction houses such as Heritage or Stack’s Bowers.

2. Small Size Notes (1928–Present)

The modern $20 bill was resized in 1928 to the dimensions we use today. These bills were issued as Federal Reserve Notes, featuring Andrew Jackson.

💡 Rare $20 Bills That Are Worth Big Money

Not all $20 bills are equal—some are extremely valuable based on rarity, condition, serial number, and printing errors.

⭐ Star Notes

Star notes are replacement notes with a star (*) at the end of the serial number. These are more limited in print and often bring premium prices.

• Value: $50 – $1,500+

• Key Series: 1928, 1934, 1950, 1990, 1996

🔢 Fancy Serial Numbers

• Low Serial Number (e.g., 00000001): $500 – $5,000+

• Repeater (e.g., 12121212): $200 – $1,000+

• Radar (e.g., 12344321): $150 – $1,500

• Solid (e.g., 77777777): $1,000 – $10,000

• Ladders (e.g., 12345678): $500 – $7,500

⚠️ Printing Errors

Misaligned prints, doubled digits, off-center ink, and mismatched seals add value:

• Ink Smear: $250 – $1,000+

• Cutting Error: $400 – $3,000+

• Upside-Down Print: $1,500+

🖼️ Design Evolution of the $20 Bill

Future redesign may feature Harriet Tubman, replacing Andrew Jackson, but no release date has been confirmed as of 2025.

💸 $20 US Note Value Chart 2025

Quick Lookup Value Table:

Add premiums for star notes, error bills, and fancy serials.

🛍️ Where to Buy or Sell $20 Notes in 2025

💡 Tips to Maximize Value When Selling

1. Get your note graded by PMG or PCGS for authentication.

2. Store in a protective currency sleeve to avoid folds or dirt.

3. Avoid writing or stamping on your note.

4. Identify rare features like serials or errors before listing.

5. Don’t clean or iron old currency, as this reduces value.

List of FAQ About the List of $20 US Dollar Bills (Complete Guide 2025)

The $20 US Dollar bill—featuring the portrait of President Andrew Jackson—is one of the most widely used and circulated denominations in the United States. Over time, the $20 bill has undergone various design changes, security upgrades, printing variations, and special issue batches that attract currency collectors. This comprehensive FAQ guide answers all major questions related to $20 US bills, their types, features, values, security elements, rare notes, star notes, and collector demand.

If you're searching for a complete list of $20 US dollar bills, series years, special editions, and their collectible value, this article covers everything in one place.

1. What Are the Different Series of the $20 US Dollar Bill?

The $20 bill has been printed in many series since the early 20th century. A “series” refers to the year printed on the note, including modifications made during the same year.

Major modern series of the $20 bill include:

• Series 1990

• Series 1993

• Series 1996

• Series 1999

• Series 2001

• Series 2004

• Series 2004A

• Series 2006

• Series 2009

• Series 2013

• Series 2017

• Series 2017A

• Future redesign planned (Harriet Tubman portrait)

Collectors often track star notes, printing facility differences, and signature combinations across each series.

2. What Is the Current Design of the $20 US Dollar Bill?

The present design features:

• Front: Andrew Jackson

• Back: The White House

• Color-shifting ink: Copper-to-green

• Portrait watermark

• Security thread

• Microprinting

• Enhanced background colors

Introduced in 2003–2004, this design improved anti-counterfeiting strength.

3. Why Does the $20 Bill Feature Andrew Jackson?

The United States Treasury selected Jackson in 1928 due to his role as the seventh President. However, the choice has been controversial due to:

• His opposition to paper currency

• His Indian Removal Act policies

The bill is set for a redesign featuring Harriet Tubman in the future, though timelines have been delayed.

4. What Is the Size of a $20 Bill?

All US paper currency shares the same size:

• 6.14 inches × 2.61 inches (155.6 mm × 66.3 mm)

• Weight: About 1 gram

5. What Are the Security Features of the $20 Bill?

Modern $20 bills include:

1. Watermark

A faint image of Andrew Jackson, visible when held to light.

2. Security Thread

A thin vertical strip to the right of the portrait, glowing green under UV light.

3. Color-Shifting Ink

The numeral “20” on the lower right corner shifts from copper to green.

4. Microprinting

Tiny words such as “USA TWENTY” near the portrait.

5. Raised Printing

Textured feel created through intaglio printing.

These features provide strong protection against counterfeiting.

6. How Many Times Has the $20 Bill Been Redesigned?

Major redesigns occurred in:

1. 1928 – smaller-size notes

2. 1990 – anti-counterfeit measures

3. 1996 – portrait/elements changed

4. 2004 – colored background added

5. Future redesign – Harriet Tubman design (pending)

7. Are Old $20 US Dollar Bills Still Valid?

Yes.
All US currency remains legal tender forever, regardless of age.

Even notes from the 1914 Federal Reserve series are still technically valid.

Collectors often pay more for:

• Older series

• Star notes

• Rare printing errors

• Uncirculated conditions

8. Which Series of $20 Bills Are the Most Valuable?

Collectors value:

1. Star Notes

Marked with a star (*) replacing the final letter.

2. Low Serial Numbers

Examples: 00000001–00000099.

3. Fancy Numbers

• Repeating (12121212)

• Solid (77777777)

• Ladder (12345678)

4. Error Notes

Misprints, inverted seals, mismatched serials.

5. Older Series

Such as 1928, 1934, and 1950.

A rare star note can sell for hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on condition.

9. What Is a $20 Star Note?

A star note replaces defective bills during printing. Features:

• Serial number ends with a star symbol*

• Printed in smaller quantities

• Highly collectible

• Often worth $30–$500, rare types can exceed $2,000

10. What Is the Value of an Uncirculated $20 Bill?

The value depends on the series.

Examples:

• Modern uncirculated notes (2004–2017) = $25–$40

• Older crisp notes (1963–1981) = $50–$120

• Rare star notes = $100–$2000+

• Pre-1950 notes = $200–$5000+

Collectors pay premiums for high-grade PMG/PCGS-graded notes.

11. What Are the Most Commonly Collected $20 Bills?

Collectible types include:

• 1928 Gold Certificate $20

• 1934 $20 Federal Reserve Note

• 1950E $20 Bill

• 1963A $20 Bill

• 1996 and 1999 small-run star notes

• 2004A Fort Worth print variations

• 2013 and 2017A rare star blocks

Collectors prefer these due to rarity and small printing batches.

12. Which $20 Bills Are Rare?

Rare $20 bills include:

1. 1928 $20 Gold Certificate

Features a gold seal; highly valuable.

2. 1934 Light Green Seal $20

Produced in very limited numbers.

3. 1996 Star Notes

Some blocks have extremely low production.

4. 2004A “Mismatched Serial Number” Errors

A printing anomaly that collectors prize.

5. Fancy Serial $20 Notes

Solid, ladder, and palindrome serials.

13. Are Counterfeit $20 Bills Common?

Yes.
The $20 bill is one of the most counterfeited denominations globally.

Common fake types include:

• Washed $5 bills reprinted as $20

• Printer-produced copies

• High-quality foreign counterfeit operations

Checking the security thread, color-shifting ink, and watermark helps detect fakes.

14. What Is the Lifespan of a $20 Bill?

Average lifespan: 7–10 years in circulation.

Lifespan varies based on:

• Usage

• Climate

• Storage conditions

Damaged notes are removed by the Federal Reserve.

15. What Happens to Damaged $20 Bills?

The Federal Reserve:

1. Collects damaged bills

2. Sorts them

3. Shreds destroyed notes

4. Replaces them with new currency

Consumers can exchange severely damaged notes at banks or the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

16. Are There Any $20 Bills With Special Printing Marks?

Yes:

1. “FW” Mark

Indicates Fort Worth printing facility.

2. Star Notes

Indicates replacement notes.

3. Plate Position Numbers

Small box with letter and number combination.

4. Federal Reserve Indicators

Letter A–L, representing 12 Federal Reserve Banks.

Collectors track these to identify unique batches.

17. What Are Fancy Serial Number $20 Bills?

Fancy serial types include:

• Ladders: 12345678

• Reverse ladders: 87654321

• Solids: 77777777

• Repeaters: 34343434

• Super repeaters

• Radars: 12211221

Such notes can sell from $100 to $10,000, depending on rarity.

18. What Is the $20 Harriet Tubman Bill?

In 2016, the US Treasury announced a redesign featuring Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill.

Key points:

• Tubman replaces Andrew Jackson

• Reverse side may still depict the White House

• Design delayed for security and political reasons

• Expected sometime around 2030 (current estimates)

Collectors anticipate increased interest once released.

19. What Are the Backside Features of the $20 Bill?

• Image of the White House

• Trees and landscape elements

• “IN GOD WE TRUST”

• Large numeral “20”

• Federal Reserve identifiers

The design helps visually differentiate it from other denominations.

20. What Is the Material of the $20 Bill?

Not paper, but:

• 75% cotton

• 25% linen

• Small blue and red fibers embedded

This gives durability and a distinct feel.

21. What Are Error $20 Bills?

Error notes are misprints produced unintentionally by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

Common types:

• Misaligned printing

• Missing print layers

• Mismatched serial numbers

• Ink smears

• Blank backs

• Cutting errors

Values range from $500 to $10,000+, depending on rarity.

22. How Can I Check if My $20 Bill Is Rare?

Look for:

• Star symbol

• Unusual serials

• Low serials

• Error printing

• Older series dates

• PCGS/PMG grading

Collectors prefer crisp, uncirculated notes.

23. Where Can I Sell Rare $20 Bills?

Best platforms include:

• eBay

• Heritage Auctions

• Stack’s Bowers

• Local coin and currency dealers

• Online collector groups

High-grade currency sells best with authentication.

24. Why Are Some $20 Bills Worth More Than Face Value?

Reasons include:

• Low print run

• Collector demand

• Old age

• Error printing

• Condition (Uncirculated, Crisp)

• Fancy serial numbers

• Star notes

• Historic value

25. What Are the Federal Reserve Bank Differences on $20 Bills?

Each note carries a letter A–L representing the 12 Federal Reserve Banks:

A – Boston
B – New York
C – Philadelphia
D – Cleveland
E – Richmond
F – Atlanta
G – Chicago
H – St. Louis
I – Minneapolis
J – Kansas City
K – Dallas
L – San Francisco

Some districts have rare star note runs.

26. How to Store and Protect $20 Collectible Bills?

Tips:

• Use Mylar currency sleeves

• Avoid exposure to sunlight

• Keep in a dry, cool place

• Avoid touching with bare hands

• Consider third-party grading (PMG/PCGS)

27. Are $20 Bills With Misaligned Seals Valuable?

Yes, depending on severity. Minor misalignments may sell for $20–$100, while extreme errors sell for $500–$5,000.

28. Why Do Some $20 Bills Look Different in Color?

Reasons:

• Series differences

• Wear and tear

• Exposure to moisture

• Environmental factors

• Counterfeit attempts

Newer models include light green, peach, and blue tones for security.

29. What Is the Rarest $20 Bill?

The rarest modern $20 bills include:

• 1996 $20 star notes

• 1934 LGS (Light Green Seal)

• 1928 Gold Certificate $20

• Severe error notes

• Fancy serial combinations

• 2004A low-run star notes

30. Final Summary: What Should Collectors Know About $20 US Dollar Bills?

Key takeaways:

• All $20 bills remain legal tender

• Star notes and fancy serials are very valuable

• Rare series (1928, 1934, 1950) attract high prices

• Modern anti-counterfeit features increase security

• Future redesign featuring Harriet Tubman

• Error notes can be extremely profitable

• Proper storage increases long-term value

✅ What makes a $20 bill valuable?

Rarity, serial number, star designation, errors, and condition (graded UNC) are all key factors.

✅ Are 1996 $20 bills worth keeping?

Yes, especially uncirculated, star notes, or with fancy serials.

✅ How do I know if my $20 bill is rare?

Check for:

• Star symbol

• Fancy serial numbers

• Misprints

• Series from 1928, 1934, 1950

✅ Who is on the $20 bill?

Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States.

📘 Final Thoughts: Start Collecting $20 Notes Today

The $20 bill is more than just a currency—it’s a historical artifact and a collector’s treasure. With proper care, research, and a little bit of luck, your twenty-dollar bill could be worth hundreds or even thousands. Use this 2025 collector’s guide to explore, appraise, and understand the entire world of twenty-dollar US banknotes.

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