Moderately Rare Banknotes

such a list would be nice, but I don't think I've ever seen one. figuring out how many notes were printed is easy enough, you can find that out on many of the central bank websites or from guide books. the problem is finding out how many of those notes were destroyed from printing errors or normal wear. an accurate tally of how many banknotes were saved in uncirculated condition is almost impossible.

for example, the united states bureau of engraving and printing reports a total printing of over 5.5 million $50 gold certificates. so many were destroyed after they were recalled, and only a small fraction of the 5.5 million escaped destruction. of that small fraction, many are circulated. an uncirculated note would cost thousands of dollars.

your best bet is time. keep an eye out for what's readily available in dealer inventories, and what's relatively scarce. you'll eventually develop an eye for the type of notes you're looking for. sorta like..."wow I haven't seen that note available for a while! better grab it while I can!" be patient though...sometimes this will happen to notes because there just isn't a market for them. it'll do you no good to hoard notes nobody wants to buy. it's definitely a learning experience, and the lesson might sometimes take years.