Gold certificates were a United States
paper currency between 1863 and 1933. Each certificate gave its title to a corresponding amount of
gold coin as established by the
Coinage Act of 1834. The Series of 1882, shown here, was the first series to be payable to the bearer; unlike previous issues, anyone could redeem these certificates for the equivalent in gold. Shown here is a $5,000
specimen banknote, depicting
James Madison.
Other notes: $20, $50, $100, $500, $1,000, $10,000Banknote: Bureau of Engraving and Printing (image courtesy of the National Numismatic Collection, National Museum of American History)
