Imagine casually scanning your old $10 bills and discovering one that’s potentially worth $3 million. That’s the real possibility with the legendary 1863 $10 Legal Tender Note, nicknamed the “Jackass Note.”
Today, collectors covet this Civil War-era banknote for its rarity, unique nickname, and blend of historical and monetary significance.
What Makes the 1863 $10 “Jackass Note” So Valuable?
- Historic Origin: Issued during the Civil War as fiat currency, U.S. Legal Tender Notes helped finance the war effort when gold and silver were scarce.
- Nickname: Abraham Lincoln’s engraved portrait gives a curious illusion—when flipped, it resembles a jackass (a donkey). That quirky visual twist sparked the nickname and collector buzz.
- Rarity: Very few have survived in high-grade condition after nearly 160 years.
- Condition Matters: Bills in crisp, uncirculated condition—free of folds or stains—fetch the highest prices.
- Legal Tender Status: Though collectible, it remains legal tender—but spending one for $10 Bill would be financial suicide.
Quick Facts: The $10 “Jackass Note”
| Feature | Details | Value Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Year & Type | 1863 Legal Tender Note | Very rare, Civil War era |
| Nickname | “Jackass Note” (due to Lincoln’s optical illusion) | High collector interest |
| Survival Condition | Few in excellent condition | Rarity drives value |
| Legal Tender | Still redeemable for $10 Bill | Adds novelty, not monetary value |
| Auction Value | Up to $3 million for rare, well-preserved pieces | Record-breaking modern paper money sale |
How to Spot a Real “Jackass Note”
- Check the Date and Labeling: Look for “1863 Legal Tender” printed on the front.
- Flip It Over: Test if Lincoln’s portrait morphs into a jackass-like image when viewed upside down—a defining visual cue.
- Condition Inspection: The cleaner the note—crisp, uncreased, vibrant—the better. Even slight wear can cost millions in value.
- Authentication: Always get such a note graded and authenticated by a professional agency before considering any sale or appraisal.
- Resist Spending It: While still legal, spending one is akin to discarding a multimillion-dollar artifact.
Comparison: Other Rare $10 Bills
| Note Type | Era | Why It’s Valuable | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1863 “Jackass Note” | Civil War era | Rarity, historical intrigue, optical illusion | Up to $3 million |
| 1880 $10 Legal Tender | late 1800s | Only a few known surviving examples | High-five to six figures |
| 1915 $10 FR Note | early 1900s | Extremely rare Federal Reserve issue | Tens to hundreds of thousands |
| Modern Star/Serial Errors | 21st century | Unique serial patterns or star symbols | $500–$2,000+ depending on rarity & grade |
Why This Note Captures Attention
- Historical Significance: It’s not merely an old bill—it’s a Civil War-era artifact wrapped in numismatic lore.
- Visual Quirkiness: The unintended optical illusion gives it viral and collector appeal beyond traditional rarity.
- Auction Drama: The high-end auction value—rocketing into the millions—makes it a gold standard for modern collectible currency.
The 1863 $10 “Jackass Note” remains one of the most fascinating and valuable U.S. currency finds—merging history, visual intrigue, and scarcity into a multimillion-dollar collectible.
While extremely rare, awareness of what to look for could turn an overlooked relic into a sensational discovery.
Next time you encounter a Civil War-era bill—or even an old one—take a closer look: you might just uncover a piece of history worth more than you can imagine.
FAQs
Yes—by law, it can still be used for $10. But collectors would strongly advise against spending one due to its high value.
Yes, but condition heavily influences value. Crisp, uncirculated notes bring millions; worn ones may be worth far less or considered more for historical than auction value.
Submit the note to a top grading and verification agency. Professional authentication is essential for confirming its origin, condition, and value.