Remember when a million bucks could still buy a full tank of gas?
In 1964, the old Binion's Horseshoe showcased $1 million that became a must-see
downtown landmark. Over 5 million photos were taken next to the one hundred $10,000
gold certificates that showcased the mug of former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Salmon
Chase.
The $10,000 bill went out of circulation in 1969, and today there are fewer than 400 bills
in existence. The collection, which accounted for almost a quarter of the bills in
circulation, became an increasing security risk, still legal tender and valued at much more
than $1 million. Becky Binion finally sold the collection for an unspecified amount but at
least double the face value. Each bill is worth substantially more now ($75,000 each when
it was sold), but the glue remnants on each bill to keep the display together dragged the
price down.