These notes included Legal Tender and Gold Certificates, often used in larger commercial transactions. Some versions feature beautiful allegorical scenes and portraits of historical figures such as Garfield or Jackson. These were printed with bold gold seals or red Treasury seals. Their size and intricate printing made them visually impressive.

Large-size gold-backed $20 notes featured brilliant golden-yellow seals and backs. Often portraying James Garfield, these were used for bank-to-bank transfers. Although once common among banks, few survived the gold recall of 1933. Today they are highly prized by collectors.

The small-size version of gold certificates included a portrait of Andrew Jackson and a yellow Treasury seal. They promised redemption in gold, which made them appealing during uncertain economic times. After 1933, these were recalled and became illegal to own until the 1960s. Surviving specimens are rare and valuable.

These red-seal notes were issued in small numbers and resembled FRNs but carried different legal language. Although not widely circulated, they serve as a bridge between gold-backed notes and modern fiat currency. Their unique legal status and limited print runs make them intriguing for advanced collectors.

Modern $20 bills feature Andrew Jackson and have undergone several redesigns. Security features added in the 2000s include color-shifting ink, embedded strips, and peach and green backgrounds. These bills are among the most commonly counterfeited, which is why they’ve seen the most redesigns. The latest series is both durable and hard to forge.