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The 1963A $100 Federal Reserve Note graded Gem Uncirculated 66EPQ by PMG is an outstanding example of high-denomination U.S. currency from the mid-20th century. Issued during a period of sustained economic growth and global monetary leadership by the United States, this note represents the final evolution of the classic $100 design before the era of security enhancements and modern redesigns. With its commanding portrait of Benjamin Franklin, historic imagery, and superior preservation, this note combines exceptional aesthetic appeal with historical and collectible significance. PMG’s 66EPQ designation places it among the top-condition survivors from this important series.
The Series 1963A $100 notes were printed under the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson and feature the signature combination of Kathryn O’Hay Granahan, Treasurer of the United States, and C. Douglas Dillon, Secretary of the Treasury. Granahan was the first woman elected to Congress from Pennsylvania and later appointed as Treasurer, while Dillon had a leading role in Kennedy and Johnson’s fiscal policies. This pairing dates the note to a time of U.S. global economic dominance, before the suspension of the gold standard in 1971. The note bears the standard legal tender clause: “This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private,” which reflects the full transition to fiat currency already in place for domestic users since the 1930s.
The obverse of the note features an expertly engraved portrait of Benjamin Franklin, one of the most influential American Founding Fathers, scientists, and statesmen. Facing to the right, Franklin’s portrait is surrounded by symmetrical scrollwork and classical bordering. To the left of the portrait is the black seal of the issuing Federal Reserve Bank, and to the right is the green U.S. Treasury seal. Serial numbers are printed in dark green ink in the upper right and lower left quadrants. In 66EPQ grade, every design element is sharply defined, with strong color contrast, perfectly balanced margins, and flawless centering that elevate the note above standard uncirculated examples.
The reverse of the note displays a finely detailed engraving of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, a central location in early American history and the site of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The image includes the building’s signature clock tower, surrounding trees, and part of the east lawn. “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” is boldly printed across the top, with “ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS” along the bottom margin. Large numeral 100s appear in each corner. The engraving is crisp and bold in this condition, and the rich green ink remains vibrant and undisturbed, showing no signs of wear, fading, or handling.
PMG’s Gem Uncirculated 66EPQ designation ensures that this note has never been in circulation and has been preserved in nearly flawless condition. The “66” grade indicates exceptional centering, strong eye appeal, and fully original surfaces, with only the most microscopic of imperfections—typically not visible without magnification. The EPQ label, standing for Exceptional Paper Quality, further certifies that the note has not been pressed, cleaned, trimmed, or chemically altered. It retains its original embossing, brightness, and texture, making it especially desirable to collectors who value both aesthetic excellence and structural integrity.
While Series 1963A $100 notes were printed in relatively high numbers, most were placed directly into circulation and used heavily in banking and business transactions. Due to its high face value, the $100 bill was rarely saved in pristine condition by the general public during the 1960s. This makes high-grade survivors—especially those with certification and the EPQ designation—considerably scarcer than lower denominations. As a result, certified 66EPQ examples are highly sought after by collectors assembling high-grade type sets, denomination collections, or focused portfolios of Federal Reserve Notes from the mid-20th century.
The 1963A $100 note occupies a key place in the chronology of U.S. currency. It is one of the last notes to maintain the classic green-and-black “small-size” layout that originated in 1928 and remained largely unchanged for nearly seven decades. This series predates the major redesigns introduced in 1996, which added features such as color-shifting ink, security threads, microprinting, and later watermarks. Thus, the 1963A note represents the final expression of traditional U.S. note engraving before the shift toward modern security-focused designs.
The $100 denomination is among the most iconic and widely recognized U.S. banknotes, often serving as a symbol of financial stability and wealth. Its association with Benjamin Franklin, a figure revered for his intellectual and diplomatic achievements, enhances the note’s symbolism. This note’s classic portrait and Independence Hall reverse make it a centerpiece in both design and denomination, embodying the values and visual style of American currency before the digital and postmodern banking age took hold.
Collectors prize Gem Uncirculated 66EPQ examples for their rarity, beauty, and investment potential. With so few original notes surviving at this grade level, especially from earlier Federal Reserve series, demand has grown steadily among those seeking top-tier quality without the premium of Superb Gem 67 or higher notes. This 1963A example fits seamlessly into a high-grade collection that values originality, history, and strong eye appeal, offering an ideal combination of preservation and historic context.
The Certified 1963A $100 Federal Reserve Note graded Gem Uncirculated 66EPQ by PMG is a premier example of classic U.S. currency at its finest. With its rich engraving, pristine surfaces, and full originality, it stands as both an investment-worthy asset and a visually stunning tribute to mid-century American monetary craftsmanship. Whether added to a Federal Reserve district set, a $100 denomination collection, or a top-tier type set, this note delivers exceptional quality and timeless collector appeal.