These bonds have stopped earning interest. Every Series E bond issued in 1978 has passed final maturity (from Jan 2008). 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 1978 Series E bonds
- A $100 bond issued January 1978 is now worth 6.9 times its $75.00 purchase price.
- The issue month matters a lot this year: a $100 bond from January is worth $513.80, but one from May only $426.68 (17% less), because bonds issued in different months earn under different interest terms.
- It stopped earning interest in Jan 2008 and has been frozen at $513.80 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 1978 | $128.45 | $256.90 | $513.80 | $5,138.00 | Stopped earning | Jan 2008 |
| February 1978 | $128.45 | $256.90 | $513.80 | $5,138.00 | Stopped earning | Feb 2008 |
| March 1978 | $108.54 | $217.08 | $434.16 | $4,341.60 | Stopped earning | Mar 2008 |
| April 1978 | $108.54 | $217.08 | $434.16 | $4,341.60 | Stopped earning | Apr 2008 |
| May 1978 | $106.67 | $213.34 | $426.68 | $4,266.80 | Stopped earning | May 2008 |
| June 1978 | $106.94 | $213.88 | $427.76 | $4,277.60 | Stopped earning | Jun 2008 |
| July 1978 | $106.97 | $213.94 | $427.88 | $4,278.80 | Stopped earning | Jul 2008 |
| August 1978 | $106.97 | $213.94 | $427.88 | $4,278.80 | Stopped earning | Aug 2008 |
| September 1978 | $106.97 | $213.94 | $427.88 | $4,278.80 | Stopped earning | Sep 2008 |
| October 1978 | $106.97 | $213.94 | $427.88 | $4,278.80 | Stopped earning | Oct 2008 |
| November 1978 | $107.98 | $215.96 | $431.92 | $4,319.20 | Stopped earning | Nov 2008 |
| December 1978 | $108.27 | $216.54 | $433.08 | $4,330.80 | Stopped earning | Dec 2008 |
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.
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How the value has grown
Questions about 1978 Series E bonds
How much is a $100 Series E bond from 1978 worth?
As of October 2026, a $100 Series E bond issued in 1978 is worth $426.68 to $513.80, depending on the month it was issued. It cost $75.00 new.
Why are some 1978 Series E bonds worth more than others?
Bonds issued in different months of 1978 earn under different interest terms. As of October 2026 a $100 bond from January is worth $513.80 versus $426.68 for May. Always check the exact issue month on your bond.
Do 1978 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