On March 12, Stack’s Bowers Galleries will host one of the most exciting auctions for U.S. paper money collectors in recent years. The auction will take place at Griffin Studios in Costa Mesa, California, and will also be available online. Because of this hybrid format, collectors from around the world will be able to participate and place bids.
Both experienced numismatists and new collectors will find opportunities to bid on notes that rarely appear at auction. The offering spans the early Colonial era all the way to Gold Certificates of the 20th century.
Three Sessions, One Historic Currency Offering
For the Spring 2026 Global Showcase Auction, Sessions 5, 6, and 7 are dedicated entirely to U.S. currency, highlighting the depth and quality of this year’s catalog.
Session 5 will focus on Colonial, Continental, Fractional, and Obsolete currency. This session includes items connected to the well-known Caine Collection of scarce obsolete bank notes. Among the highlights are a proof $3 note from the Bank of Austin and an issued note from the Bank of Germantown featuring the famous White Bear vignette. The artwork is derived from the work of Felix O.C. Darley and engraved by DeWitt Clinton Hay, making it appealing to both art and financial history collectors.
Session 6 turns attention to National Bank Notes and type notes, including the Clearwater Collection of New Jersey Nationals. One major highlight is the Type 2 $5 National Bank Note from the National Bank of Palisades Park, charter 14088. The note is believed to be unique for its charter and has no known public auction record, making it especially important for advanced collectors.
This session also includes scarce notes from Bergen County towns such as Lodi and Tenafly, giving regional specialists a rare opportunity to fill gaps in their collections.
Rarities Night and Once-in-a-Generation Star Notes
Session 7 effectively serves as Rarities Night for paper money collectors. The centerpiece is the Manhattan Beach Collection, known for its exceptional replacement and star notes.
One of the standout items is the finest known replacement Series 1928 $1 Legal Tender Note of its type. These notes were primarily circulated in Puerto Rico during the post-war period, adding an interesting geo-economic dimension to the piece.
Another remarkable item is a serial number 1 replacement $100 Federal Reserve Note that was previously part of the famous John Whitney Walter Collection, combining both rarity and prestigious provenance.
The catalog also includes several notable examples that demonstrate the depth of U.S. small-size paper money collecting. These include a 1935A experimental $1 Silver Certificate star note graded PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ, a 1933 $10 Silver Certificate graded Gem 66 EPQ, and a 1929 Chicago $100 Federal Reserve Bank star note graded Gem 65 EPQ.
High-denomination highlights include two 1934 dark green seal $500 and $1,000 Federal Reserve star notes as well as 1928 Gold Certificates in $50, $500, and $1,000 denominations. All are graded Choice or Gem Uncirculated by PMG.
Selected Spring 2026 Currency Highlights
| Note / Type | Series / Type | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| $1 Legal Tender replacement note | Series 1928 | Finest known example, Puerto Rico issue |
| $100 Federal Reserve replacement note | Small-size, serial number 1 | Ex John Whitney Walter Collection |
| $1 Silver Certificate star note | 1935A experimental | PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ |
| $10 Silver Certificate | 1933 | PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ |
| $500 Federal Reserve star note (Chicago) | 1934 dark green seal | PMG Choice Uncirculated 64 EPQ |
| $1,000 Gold Certificate | 1928 | PMG Choice Uncirculated 63 EPQ |
Significance of These Notes for Collectors and Investors
The potentially unique $5 Palisades Park Type 2 National Bank Note is expected to attract strong competition from bidders. Its rarity and historical importance make it a standout item for advanced collectors.
Premium star notes and replacement notes are also expected to draw significant interest. These notes sit at the intersection of traditional numismatics and modern data-driven collecting, where census reports and population data play a key role in determining value.
High-grade PMG examples are especially appealing to investors. In many cases, the highest-graded notes help establish benchmark prices for an entire series. This is particularly true for Gold Certificates and high-denomination Federal Reserve Notes, where the supply of problem-free examples is extremely limited.
The three-session format of the auction allows collectors to focus on specific areas such as Colonial currency, National Bank Notes, or small-size star notes without having to track a lengthy multi-day schedule.
How Collectors Can Prepare for the Spring 2026 Sale
Collectors interested in participating should review the complete catalog and images available on the Stack’s Bowers website. The platform allows pre-sale bidding for all three currency sessions.
Understanding a note’s provenance, grading details, and rarity is essential when deciding whether it fits into a collection or investment strategy. Some lots may also be offered under the Owner’s Risk and Unreserved Auction System, which can create opportunities for strong price appreciation.
The auction will take place live at Griffin Studios in Costa Mesa, with both live online bidding and absentee bidding available. Setting a firm maximum bid can help collectors stay disciplined during competitive bidding.
For newer collectors or those not actively bidding, following the auction results after March 12 can be a valuable learning experience. It provides insight into how the current U.S. currency market values rarity, grade, and provenance.
FAQs
Q1 When is the Stack’s Bowers Spring 2026 U.S. currency auction?
The U.S. currency sessions of the Spring 2026 Global Showcase Auction will take place on March 12, 2026, at Griffin Studios in Costa Mesa, California. Online bidding will also be available.
Q2 What types of currency will be offered in the auction?
The auction includes Colonial notes, obsolete bank notes, National Bank Notes, fractional currency, small-size replacement notes, star notes, and high-denomination Gold Certificates.
Q3 Can collectors participate without attending in person?
Yes. Stack’s Bowers provides both live online bidding and absentee bidding through its website, allowing collectors worldwide to participate.
