FRBNs

The Large Size Federal Reserve Bank Notes (FRBNs) , also known as National Currency, were issued in two Series and in denominations of $1 to $50. They are often confused with National Bank Notes because they have the inscription "National Currency" across the top. They feature blue seals and blue serial numbers. With FRBN's the obligation to pay the bearer falls to the specific Federal Reserve Bank, and not the United States Treasury Department.

• The First Issue, Series 1915 was authorized by the Federal Reserve Act of December 23^rd, 1913 and consisted of only $5, $10 and $20 notes. They were issued by the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta, Chicago, Kansas City, Dallas and San Francisco. They are titled as National Currency and are similar to National Bank Notes. The San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank issued only $5 notes. The obligation to pay the bearer is similar to that on the first charter national bank notes, differing only slightly in wording but not in meaning.

• The Second Issue, Series 1918, consisted of $1, $2, $5, $10, $20 and $50 notes issued to all 12 Federal Reserve Banks (though all banks did not necessarily issue all denominations). St Louis was the only district that issued the $50 denomination and it is considered a rarity in high grade. The $20 denomination was issued by Atlanta and St Louis only and they are also considered rarities. Although Federal Reserve Bank notes are a rather recent issue, all are quite scarce in high grade.

Treasury Department records show that around $2 million is outstanding from a total issue of nearly $762 million.