The 1923 $10 Poker Chip Note is exceptionally rare, and when found carries a very high price tag. Approximately 696,000 bills were issued, and incredibly, the first and final notes issued are still in existence. Today, it is estimated that only about 500 are left.

Currency Highlights

This bill has a special place in American currency history because it has a distinct design with one signature and one year. This means that collectors who want bills from 1923 with a ten dollar denomination will have to acquire this particular note. Furthermore, it is part of a group of notes which are famous for their nicknames. The one used for this bill is the “poker chip,” which is derived from the bill’s back side, which resembles a couple of poker chips.

1923 was the final year in which these notes were given issuance. President Andrew Jackson’s portrait can be seen in front, and like other legal tender both the serial number and seals use an overprint which is red in color. It should also be mentioned that $10 was the highest denomination to be featured on a bill in 1923. Each serial number starts with “A” for the letter and concludes with a “B”. The exception to this of course is the star notes.

Bill Valuation And Grading

Those lucky enough to have this bill in their collection will naturally want to know its worth. As with all pieces of currency the value is dependent on its condition or grade, as well as the serial number. Any serial number beneath one thousand, or which features the star symbol will command a premium. The majority of 1923 $10 Poker Chip notes will not feature the star but those that do may be valued in excess of $50,000.

Any bill which is choice uncirculated or higher will also be high in demand. These can be valued at around $10,000. Other bills which are sought after are those which are About Circulated or Extremely Fine. Notes in this condition will typically have two and three folds. Notes of this quality will range in value from $4,200 to more than $8,200. Very few people, other than die hard collectors, will come across notes in this grade or higher.

Most of the remaining Poker Chip notes will be classified as VF, or Very Fine. There is a considerable difference between a note which has been given a 35 VF grade and one which has been given a 20 VF grade. For instance, the folds within the 35 VF will hardly be noticeable, except near the seal. A 20 VF note, on the other hand, will display signs that it has been circulated. The reddish color will be faded slightly and the paper will also display discoloration resulting from handling and dirt. Additionally, these bills will have usually been folded multiple times and as such will not display the crispness seen in higher grades.