The Age of Gold was a moniker given to the 1890s and early 1900s as America was thriving on gold discoveries. While most of that turned to mines and produced coins, there were also gold certificates back by such coins. One of those certificates has, to no surprise, graced the top ten of Whitman Publishing’s 100 Greatest American Currency Notes. Authors Q. David Bowers and David M. Sundman explain how the note got its unique name and still remains popular today.
#9 – Series of 1905 $20 “Technicolor Note” Gold Certificate
The Series of 1905 $20 “Technicolor Note” was produced in two different combinations and features Gilbert Stuart’s depiction of George Washington on the face and the Great Seal on the back. While the note’s motif is rather familiar in terms of United States paper money, the color of the note is where its popularity stems from.
While the term “technicolor” was given to the note, some may be confused as the gold, yellow, red, and black may not necessarily qualify as such. However, when it comes to gold certificates, the $20 gold note is quite vivid.
The historic market value in 1960 for this note in Gem Crisp Uncirculated condition was $1,500. By this publication (2006), it was $25,000.
