Because of the fragility of paper, the quality of banknotes is extremely important when it comes to banknotes. Unused, unfolded and uncoloured is preferred. Rare, high-quality notes are in great demand, both nationally and internationally. The United States, for example, has a good market for hih-quality bank notes.

Are you curious about the value of your banknote or a collection of banknotes? We welcoe you to pass by for a free valuation at our office or during one of the paper money fairs that experts from Heritage Auctions Europe regularly attend.

More often than expected, valuing banknotes provides a pleasant surprise. The value of old banknotes regularly turns out to be higher than people think. For example, if you still have a flawless 100 guilder bill with Michiel de Ruyter on it, a collector may be willing to pay 200 or 250 euros for it. Notes that were once brought into circulation to replace a misprint or error often turn out to yield a good price as well. 

History of the banknote

Design and printing techniques turn banknotes, also known as bills, into small paintings. Banknotes tell a lot about the history, culture and taste of the countries that issue them. The Ming dynasty in China had the world's first banknotes. As early as the seventh-century Tang and Song dynasty, they issued paper money. 

In Europe, the Swedish Bank of Stockholm issued the first banknote in 1661. The assignats, dating back to the French period (1795-1813), are considered to be the first banknotes that were used as currency in the Netherlands. In 1814, the Nederlandsche Bank was founded and the first official Dutch banknote, the 25 guilder banknote (so-called 'roodborstje'), was issued. Until 1921, this banknote could still be exchanged at the bank. In 1846, the Netherlands temporarily switched to paper versions of the silver and gold coins in circulation. In 1904, the DNB issued the first cash banknote, worth 10 guilders. This guilder remained our legal tender until the arrival of the euro in 2002.

Valuable banknotes acquire their commercial value through the supply and demand of the market. A banknote of value is therefore considered to be a commodity, just like antique furniture or old jewellery. In order to be able to perform a proper valuation of old banknotes, the authenticity is first verified, we call this authentication. Then it is checked from which country it comes, the date/year and other details such as color, type of paper, serial numbers, et cetera. And, perhaps most importantly, whether the note has ever been folded. When you have old unfolded banknotes in your possession, you can count on a decent value.

Free appraisal of your banknotes

Every Wednesday you can visit our office in IJsselstein for a free appraisal of your banknotes. In order to be able to carry out a proper valuation of old banknotes, the authenticity is first verified. Next, the country of origin, the date/year and other details such as color, type of paper, serial number, etc. will be examined. And, perhaps most importantly: the appraiser checks if the banknote has ever been folded. If you have relatively old and unfolded banknotes in your possession, you can count on a decent value.

If you come to us for a banknote valuation, you are not obliged to auction them or offer them for sale. But if you still have old paper money somewhere in a cupboard, it is always wise to have it looked at. After all, paper does not remain in good condition for as long as metal coins and medals. If, after our valuation, it appears that you have one of several old and valuable banknotes in your possession, you have the option to sell it in one of our auctions. You can count on professional guidance from our auction house. With over a million bidders/members worldwide, Heritage Auctions always guarantees you the highest possible return.