-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 56135
Checkout
The 1963A $20 Federal Reserve Note graded *Gem Uncirculated 66EPQ* by PMG is a superbly preserved and visually stunning example of classic small-size U.S. currency. Issued during a period of economic strength and political transformation in the early 1960s, this note represents the last of the traditional $20 Federal Reserve Notes before the sweeping design and security changes that began in the late 1960s and 1970s. Certified at the Gem 66 level with *Exceptional Paper Quality*, this note exhibits near-perfect centering, deeply inked printing, and pristine paper originality—placing it firmly in the upper echelon of collectible Federal Reserve Notes.
The Series 1963A notes were printed under the administration of President Lyndon B. Johnson and bear the signatures of Treasury Secretary C. Douglas Dillon and Treasurer of the United States Kathryn O’Hay Granahan. This pairing is historically notable, with Granahan serving as one of the first women to hold the Treasurer’s office and Dillon having played a key role in guiding the nation’s economic policy during the Kennedy administration. The 1963A series followed the standardization of legal tender language to the concise clause: “This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private,” eliminating any mention of “lawful money” or gold, thus firmly establishing its fiat nature.
The obverse design centers on a finely engraved portrait of Andrew Jackson, seventh President of the United States and a figure deeply tied to early American monetary policy. Jackson is shown facing left, framed in an ornate oval with symmetrical borders. To his left appears the black Federal Reserve District seal, with the green U.S. Treasury seal to the right. The serial numbers—printed in matching green ink—appear in the upper right and lower left. In 66EPQ condition, these elements are perfectly aligned and strike with exceptional clarity. PMG’s certification assures that the paper is completely original, with no signs of handling, restoration, or alteration.
Centering, embossing, and margin balance are hallmarks of the 66 grade. This note displays ideal spacing between design elements and borders, sharp corner definition, and visible embossing from the intaglio printing process. These characteristics are essential to distinguishing a 66EPQ note from those at lower uncirculated levels. The EPQ designation—Exceptional Paper Quality—confirms that the note’s surfaces retain their original texture and brightness, with full ink integrity and natural paper wave intact. This places the note among the finest of its type, suitable for advanced collectors seeking precision and perfection in presentation.
The reverse of the note features an elegant engraving of the White House, depicted from the south lawn in bold architectural detail. Framing inscriptions include “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TWENTY DOLLARS,” printed in bold, evenly inked lettering above and below the central vignette. Large denomination numerals in each corner and a classically styled ornamental border enhance the design’s symmetry and gravitas. In this example, the green coloration is rich and uniform, the linework is sharp, and the visual impression is as crisp as the day it left the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
The 1963A $20 note was printed for all 12 Federal Reserve Districts, making it a desirable target for district set collectors. Although this series was printed in large quantities, very few examples have survived in truly high-grade, original condition. Most notes entered everyday commerce and show evidence of use, making Gem Uncirculated 66EPQ examples scarce and desirable. While common in lower grades, the 66EPQ level sharply reduces the population, especially for collectors focused on precision, registration, and originality across both sides of the note.
This series circulated during a transformative era in American life. The 1963A notes were issued just before the implementation of widespread design changes in U.S. paper money, such as the inclusion of the motto “In God We Trust,” which began appearing on currency in the mid-1960s. These notes also predate the introduction of modern security features such as watermarks, microprinting, and color-shifting ink. As such, the 1963A series is the final expression of mid-century simplicity and engraving purity, marking the end of an era in American currency design.
The $20 denomination has long been one of the most used and widely recognized in the United States, making it a cornerstone of everyday commerce as well as numismatic collecting. The portrait of Andrew Jackson, the bold display of the White House, and the clean design balance make it especially appealing to those building type sets, series sets, or focusing on presidential or historical themes in their currency collections. A 66EPQ example not only exemplifies this design at its absolute best but also offers long-term collector and investment value thanks to its limited survival rate in such elite condition.
The Certified 1963A $20 Federal Reserve Note graded *Gem Uncirculated 66EPQ* by PMG represents the pinnacle of preservation and visual excellence for this late-classic issue. Its flawless centering, vivid ink, crisp embossing, and untouched paper make it a showpiece example from a series that served as the capstone of traditional note design before the modernization era. Whether added to a top-tier Federal Reserve set, a high-grade type collection, or a curated historical archive, this note delivers lasting aesthetic, historical, and numismatic appeal.