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The 1969A $100 Federal Reserve Note graded Gem Uncirculated 66EPQ by PMG is a stellar example of high-denomination U.S. currency issued at the cusp of one of the most transformative periods in American monetary history. As one of the final series printed before the U.S. fully departed from the Bretton Woods system and gold convertibility, this note bridges the classical era of American paper money and the modern age of fiat currency. With exceptional paper quality, perfect registration, and brilliant eye appeal, this note exemplifies both technical excellence and historical importance, making it an elite addition to any collection.
The Series 1969A $100 Federal Reserve Note was issued with the signature pairing of Dorothy Andrews Elston as Treasurer of the United States and David M. Kennedy as Secretary of the Treasury. Printed during the early years of President Richard Nixon’s administration, the 1969A series circulated in a time of accelerating inflation and rising international financial pressures. Although domestically the U.S. dollar had operated as fiat currency since the 1930s, it was still partially tied to gold in international settlements—until the Nixon administration suspended gold convertibility in 1971. This note, therefore, captures the final moments of the dollar’s link to gold on the global stage.
The obverse features a sharply engraved portrait of Benjamin Franklin, one of America’s most enduring statesmen, inventors, and Founding Fathers. Franklin faces right in a classical oval frame, surrounded by ornate linework and balanced typography. To the left of the portrait is the black seal of the issuing Federal Reserve District, while the green Treasury seal is placed to the right. Serial numbers in green ink are prominently displayed in the upper right and lower left corners. In 66EPQ condition, every element on the face of the note is razor-sharp, centered with symmetry, and printed with deep, unbroken inking that demonstrates the precision of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s craftsmanship.
The reverse of the note showcases the east façade of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, an architectural landmark of the American Revolution and early republic. The central building is depicted in intricate detail, including the windows, tower, and trees in the surrounding plaza. The symmetrical layout is completed by inscriptions reading “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” above and “ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS” below, with large denomination numerals in each corner. In this certified grade, the reverse is perfectly preserved, with no fading, discoloration, or surface flaws. The ink remains vivid, and the engraving retains full depth and clarity across the entire design.
PMG’s Gem Uncirculated 66EPQ grade confirms that this note is not only untouched by circulation but is also of nearly flawless quality. The “66” designation indicates superior centering, full margins, and unblemished paper. The EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality) label adds further significance, certifying that the note retains its original embossing, brightness, and surface texture, and has not been pressed, cleaned, or chemically treated. Notes at this level are among the top fraction of surviving examples, placing them in the most desirable tier for advanced collectors and long-term investors.
Although $100 notes from the 1969A series were printed in sufficient quantities for wide circulation, most saw routine use in commercial banking, corporate finance, and institutional transactions. Very few were preserved in uncirculated condition, and even fewer have survived in Gem grades with the EPQ designation. These high-grade notes were seldom set aside intentionally, which makes certified examples at the 66EPQ level genuinely rare and increasingly difficult to acquire. The note’s large denomination and historical timing further elevate its importance in a curated collection of Federal Reserve Notes or U.S. economic artifacts.
The historical value of the 1969A $100 note cannot be overstated. It circulated at the dawn of a new global monetary order and during a decade of sweeping domestic and international economic change. The Nixon administration’s policy decisions, including the 1971 closure of the gold window, set the stage for decades of floating exchange rates and the full emergence of fiat monetary systems. As a pre-security redesign issue, the note lacks modern features like color-shifting ink, watermarks, or security threads—making it a true representation of the traditional era of American paper currency.
Franklin’s portrait enhances the note’s appeal and symbolism. Known for his role in shaping American institutions and for his innovations in diplomacy, science, and publishing, Franklin is a fitting figure for the highest denomination in regular circulation. The juxtaposition of Franklin on the front and Independence Hall on the back evokes a theme of American ingenuity, independence, and institutional trust. The design remains a favorite among collectors for its symmetry, engraving quality, and iconic imagery.
For collectors, this note offers a rare opportunity to acquire a top-condition example from one of the last classically styled $100 issues. It fits perfectly in a high-grade denomination set, a Federal Reserve district run, or a broader collection of pre-modern paper money. Its outstanding preservation and certified originality also make it an excellent candidate for display, professional framing, or long-term investment as part of a portfolio focused on high-denomination Federal Reserve Notes with market-scarce attributes.
The Certified 1969A $100 Federal Reserve Note graded Gem Uncirculated 66EPQ by PMG combines impeccable condition, historical depth, and elegant design in a single, powerful artifact. With full paper originality, sharp engraving, and deep ties to a transformative period in U.S. monetary policy, it stands as a prime collectible that captures the enduring trust and tradition of American currency. Whether added to a type collection, a high-grade set, or preserved as a symbol of monetary evolution, this note delivers superior quality, rarity, and timeless appeal.