The biggest U.S. bill ever printed and still considered legal tender is the $10,000 bill, though it is no longer issued. For everyday transactions, the largest denomination currently printed and distributed is the $100 bill.
Understanding U.S. Currency Denominations
United States paper currency is designed to be easily recognizable and secure. While many people are familiar with the common bills used daily, the history of U.S. currency includes several larger denominations that are no longer printed but remain valid.
Bills Currently Issued
The U.S. Treasury currently issues paper money in seven denominations for general public use. These are the bills you will typically encounter in daily commerce and receive from banks or ATMs. Among these, the $100 bill is the largest denomination that is actively printed and put into circulation today.
| Denomination | Status |
|---|---|
| $1 | Issued |
| $2 | Issued |
| $5 | Issued |
| $10 | Issued |
| $20 | Issued |
| $50 | Issued |
| $100 | Issued |
Larger Denominations No Longer Printed But Still Legal Tender
Historically, the United States printed bills in much larger denominations, primarily for interbank transactions or large financial transfers between government agencies. While these bills are no longer produced, they retain their face value and are still considered legal tender. This means they can be used for payment or deposited at a bank.
The largest of these high-denomination bills was the $10,000 bill. Other significant denominations that are no longer printed include the $500, $1,000, and $5,000 bills. Due to their rarity, these bills are often worth more to collectors than their face value.
| Denomination | Status |
|---|---|
| $500 | No longer issued, but legal tender |
| $1,000 | No longer issued, but legal tender |
| $5,000 | No longer issued, but legal tender |
| $10,000 | No longer issued, but legal tender |
Where to Learn More
For additional information on U.S. currency, its history, and features, you can visit official government resources. The official U.S. government website provides comprehensive details on American money.
