Where to exchange old US bank notes?

augusto

Hi All!

Recently a family member passed away and he had a stash of old U$D 100 bank notes (the oldest I saw was from 1936!). I called my trusty and cheap travel money agent, but they don't accept notes from before 1963, so I'm wondering if anyone knows where I could exchange them that won't take a huge commission.

Thanks a lot!

eskbanker

augusto said:

Recently a family member passed away and he had a stash of old U$D 100 bank notes (the oldest I saw was from 1936!). I called my trusty and cheap travel money agent, but they don't accept notes from before 1963

They don't sound very 'trusty' then, as US notes don't expire, so that must just be some sort of policy they choose to have:

https://www.usa.gov/currency

All U.S. currency issued since 1861 is valid and redeemable at its full face value.

Westin

eskbanker said:

augusto said:

Recently a family member passed away and he had a stash of old U$D 100 bank notes (the oldest I saw was from 1936!). I called my trusty and cheap travel money agent, but they don't accept notes from before 1963

They don't sound very 'trusty' then, as US notes don't expire, so that must just be some sort of policy they choose to have:

https://www.usa.gov/currency

All U.S. currency issued since 1861 is valid and redeemable at its full face value.

I can however see their point.

The bureau/money agent won’t wish to hold these old notes (even as legal US tender). I doubt any new customer using their services and changing GBP£ to USD$ would wish to receive old notes.

NoodleDoodleMan

I reckon Westin has it right.

A person would likely have problems in the US (perhaps not ?) trying to use bills from way back - few, if any, busineses etc. will have seen a 1936 note, for example. They may be legal tender, however if not in common circulation they'll be wary of accepting.

Maybe an approach to an appropriate section of the American embassy for advice would be worthwhile ?

Probably need guidance from the US Department of the Treasury ?