The SilverTowne Vault Blog

100 Greatest American Currency Notes Series: Original and Series of 1875 $1 National Bank Note Ace

Published 01/29/2026

Large size notes are a popular option for collectors when it comes to paper money. However, according to authors of the 100 Greatest American Currency Notes published by Whitman Publishing, this next issue is the “crème de la crème” of the $1 large note variety. Those authors, Q. David Bowers and David M. Sundman, will continue to guide us through our blog series journeying through the compilation as we look closer at this top 50 pick.

#45 – Original and Series 1875 $1 National Bank Note “Ace”

First issued in 1865, Original Series $1 National Banks Notes were often referred to as “aces.” The notes were printed on sheets of four ($1-$1-$1-$2) and were made by the American Bank Note Co. and the National Bank Note Co. as each company was responsible for one side. The face features the American imprint, which were then (the sheets) shipped to the Treasury department in Washington, D.C., to finish putting serial numbers and Treasury seal on them. All Series 1875 notes, and some later issued Original Series, featured...read more