These bonds have stopped earning interest. Every Series E bond issued in 1942 has passed final maturity (from Jan 1982). Holding them longer adds nothing, so most owners cash them. If you haven't reported the interest yet, it was taxable for the year the bond matured. How to cash them · Taxes
Key facts about 1942 Series E bonds
- 1942 Series E bonds are World War II war bonds.
- A $100 bond issued December 1942 is now worth 5.3 times its $75.00 purchase price.
- It stopped earning interest in Jan 1982 and has been frozen at $377.40 since. Every month it stays uncashed earns nothing.
- It was already worth more than its $100 face value when Treasury's records begin (May 1992).
Value by issue month
| Issue month | $25 bond | $50 bond | $100 bond | $1,000 bond | Status | Final maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 1942 | $94.35 | $188.70 | $377.40 | $3,774.00 | Stopped earning | Jan 1982 |
| February 1942 | $94.35 | $188.70 | $377.40 | $3,774.00 | Stopped earning | Feb 1982 |
| March 1942 | $94.35 | $188.70 | $377.40 | $3,774.00 | Stopped earning | Mar 1982 |
| April 1942 | $94.35 | $188.70 | $377.40 | $3,774.00 | Stopped earning | Apr 1982 |
| May 1942 | $96.00 | $192.00 | $384.00 | $3,840.00 | Stopped earning | May 1982 |
| June 1942 | $97.45 | $194.90 | $389.80 | $3,898.00 | Stopped earning | Jun 1982 |
| July 1942 | $97.45 | $194.90 | $389.80 | $3,898.00 | Stopped earning | Jul 1982 |
| August 1942 | $97.45 | $194.90 | $389.80 | $3,898.00 | Stopped earning | Aug 1982 |
| September 1942 | $97.45 | $194.90 | $389.80 | $3,898.00 | Stopped earning | Sep 1982 |
| October 1942 | $97.45 | $194.90 | $389.80 | $3,898.00 | Stopped earning | Oct 1982 |
| November 1942 | $98.40 | $196.80 | $393.60 | $3,936.00 | Stopped earning | Nov 1982 |
| December 1942 | $99.95 | $199.90 | $399.80 | $3,998.00 | Stopped earning | Dec 1982 |
Values as of October 2026. Other face values are proportional: a $200 bond is worth twice the $100 value. Click a month to open it in the calculator.
Check your exact bond
Value your 1942 bond
How the value has grown
Questions about 1942 Series E bonds
How much is a $100 Series E bond from 1942 worth?
As of October 2026, a $100 Series E bond issued in 1942 is worth $377.40 to $399.80, depending on the month it was issued. It cost $75.00 new.
Do 1942 Series E bonds still earn interest?
No. They have all reached final maturity and stopped earning interest.
Is the value before tax?
Yes. Savings bond interest is subject to federal income tax but not state or local income tax.
All Series E values by year · Found old savings bonds? What to do