How to Look Up Old Series E Bonds and Reclaim Their Value?
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Many Americans have old Series E savings bonds tucked away in a drawer — or forgotten entirely. These bonds, first issued in 1941 to fund World War II, were once symbols of patriotism and thrift. They matured decades ago, but if you or a relative bought some, they may still hold unclaimed value. The U.S. Treasury estimates billions in matured savings bonds remain unredeemed. Tracking them down can put unexpected cash back in your pocket.
What Were Series E Bonds?
Series E Bonds were sold as “war bonds,” letting citizens lend money to the federal government during wartime. They were sold at 75 percent of face value — $18.75 bought a $25 bond — and earned interest until maturity. After the war, they continued as regular U.S. Savings Bonds until the program was replaced in 1980 by Series EE bonds.
Unlike modern savings bonds, Series E issues were paper certificates and required manual record-keeping. Depending on their issue date, they could earn interest for 30 to 40 years. The final batch stopped accruing interest in 2010, meaning every remaining Series E bond is long matured and redeemable.
Why Did the Bonds Go Missing?
Because these bonds were often gifts, many ended up forgotten in old files, safety deposit boxes or family estates. Moves, name changes and misplaced paperwork made it easy to lose track. When paper bonds weren’t converted to digital form, ownership records became harder to trace. Some have also been lost to fires, floods or simply time.
How to Find Your Missing Bonds?
If you think you — or a relative — might own old Series E bonds, the Treasury offers several ways to locate them. Start with Treasury Hunt, an online tool from the U.S. Department of the Treasury. By entering a Social Security number, you can search for matured but unclaimed savings bonds issued since 1974. While that may not cover every Series E bond, it’s a good first stop.
If Treasury Hunt turns up nothing, submit FS Form 1048 through the TreasuryDirect website. This form lets you request a replacement or payment for lost, stolen or destroyed bonds. Fill it out carefully, include as much identifying information as possible, such as names, addresses, and approximate purchase dates, and have your signature certified before mailing it to the Treasury.
Searching Through Estates and Records
If you’re settling an estate, check probate or death records to see if the deceased owned savings bonds. Executors should search personal files, tax returns and bank statements as bonds were sometimes listed as investments. Financial institutions where the person held accounts might also have purchase records. In rare cases, unclaimed bonds are turned over to state unclaimed-property offices under escheatment laws, so checking your state’s online database can pay off.
How to Check a Bond’s Value?
Once you locate a bond, finding its worth is straightforward. Visit the TreasuryDirect website and use the savings bond calculator. Enter the bond’s series (E, EE, or I), denomination and issue date to see its current redemption value, including all accrued interest. You can also use the Treasury’s printed value tables if you prefer a manual check.
If the bond is already converted to electronic form, logging into your TreasuryDirect account will automatically show its current value.
Redeeming Old Bonds
Series E bonds can be redeemed at most banks and credit unions, or directly through TreasuryDirect if they’ve been digitized. Bring identification and, if applicable, documents proving inheritance rights. Once verified, the bank or Treasury will credit the value — principal plus all interest — to your account.
Remember, interest from savings bonds is subject to federal income tax, though you’re exempt from state and local taxes. If the bond was inherited, you may be able to shift the tax liability to the estate or choose to report the interest when the bond is cashed.
Prevent Future Mix-Ups
Once you reclaim your bonds, it’s worth taking a few steps to avoid another search later. Converting any remaining paper bonds to electronic form through TreasuryDirect ensures easy tracking and security. Keep your contact details updated with the Treasury and inform heirs or beneficiaries about the bonds’ existence.
The Bottom Line
Old Series E bonds may feel like relics from another era, but they can still deliver value today. Whether they were bought by a grandparent during the war or gifted decades ago, those paper slips now represent real, redeemable money. With a little detective work — using Treasury Hunt, proper forms and patient follow-up — you can turn a forgotten piece of history into a financial boost.