These bonds have stopped earning interest. Every Series EE bond issued in 1981 has passed final maturity (from Jan 2011). 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 1981 Series EE bonds
- A $100 bond issued January 1981 is now worth 6.1 times its $50.00 purchase price.
- It stopped earning interest in Jan 2011 and has been frozen at $306.88 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 | $50 bond | $100 bond | $500 bond | $1,000 bond | Status | Final maturity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 1981 | $153.44 | $306.88 | $1,534.40 | $3,068.80 | Stopped earning | Jan 2011 |
| February 1981 | $153.44 | $306.88 | $1,534.40 | $3,068.80 | Stopped earning | Feb 2011 |
| March 1981 | $153.44 | $306.88 | $1,534.40 | $3,068.80 | Stopped earning | Mar 2011 |
| April 1981 | $153.44 | $306.88 | $1,534.40 | $3,068.80 | Stopped earning | Apr 2011 |
| May 1981 | $146.90 | $293.80 | $1,469.00 | $2,938.00 | Stopped earning | May 2011 |
| June 1981 | $146.90 | $293.80 | $1,469.00 | $2,938.00 | Stopped earning | Jun 2011 |
| July 1981 | $146.90 | $293.80 | $1,469.00 | $2,938.00 | Stopped earning | Jul 2011 |
| August 1981 | $146.90 | $293.80 | $1,469.00 | $2,938.00 | Stopped earning | Aug 2011 |
| September 1981 | $146.90 | $293.80 | $1,469.00 | $2,938.00 | Stopped earning | Sep 2011 |
| October 1981 | $146.90 | $293.80 | $1,469.00 | $2,938.00 | Stopped earning | Oct 2011 |
| November 1981 | $146.90 | $293.80 | $1,469.00 | $2,938.00 | Stopped earning | Nov 2011 |
| December 1981 | $146.90 | $293.80 | $1,469.00 | $2,938.00 | Stopped earning | Dec 2011 |
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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Questions about 1981 Series EE bonds
How much is a $100 Series EE bond from 1981 worth?
As of October 2026, a $100 Series EE bond issued in 1981 is worth $293.80 to $306.88, depending on the month it was issued. It cost $50.00 new.
Do 1981 Series EE 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 EE values by year · Found old savings bonds? What to do