A 1972 Series E savings bond is worth $125.88 to $128.33 per $25 of face value (the amount printed on the bond) in November 2026, by issue month. A $100 bond is worth $503.52 to $513.32, and a $10,000 bond $50,352.00 to $51,332.00.
Interest stopped on the first day of each issue month in 2002, 30 years after issue, so these values are final. December issues are worth the most and January the least. The letter on the bond is E, never EE.
Values for November 2026 (final values)
How Much Is a 1972 Series E Savings Bond Worth in November 2026?
A 1972 Series E bond is worth $125.88 (a $25 bond issued in January) to $51,332.00 (a $10,000 bond issued in December) in November 2026. The rules of Series E savings bonds for 1941 to 1980 apply to every row. The redemption value is what Treasury pays when you cash the bond.
Table 1: What a 1972 Series E savings bond is worth in November 2026, by issue month and face value
| Issue month | $25 | $50 | $75 | $100 | $200 | $500 | $1,000 | $10,000 | Interest stopped |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 1972 | $125.88 | $251.76 | $377.64 | $503.52 | $1,007.04 | $2,517.60 | $5,035.20 | $50,352.00 | Jan 1, 2002 |
| February 1972 | $126.17 | $252.34 | $378.51 | $504.68 | $1,009.36 | $2,523.40 | $5,046.80 | $50,468.00 | Feb 1, 2002 |
| March 1972 | $126.19 | $252.38 | $378.57 | $504.76 | $1,009.52 | $2,523.80 | $5,047.60 | $50,476.00 | Mar 1, 2002 |
| April 1972 | $126.19 | $252.38 | $378.57 | $504.76 | $1,009.52 | $2,523.80 | $5,047.60 | $50,476.00 | Apr 1, 2002 |
| May 1972 | $126.19 | $252.38 | $378.57 | $504.76 | $1,009.52 | $2,523.80 | $5,047.60 | $50,476.00 | May 1, 2002 |
| June 1972 | $126.54 | $253.08 | $379.62 | $506.16 | $1,012.32 | $2,530.80 | $5,061.60 | $50,616.00 | Jun 1, 2002 |
| July 1972 | $127.77 | $255.54 | $383.31 | $511.08 | $1,022.16 | $2,555.40 | $5,110.80 | $51,108.00 | Jul 1, 2002 |
| August 1972 | $128.05 | $256.10 | $384.15 | $512.20 | $1,024.40 | $2,561.00 | $5,122.00 | $51,220.00 | Aug 1, 2002 |
| September 1972 | $128.05 | $256.10 | $384.15 | $512.20 | $1,024.40 | $2,561.00 | $5,122.00 | $51,220.00 | Sep 1, 2002 |
| October 1972 | $128.05 | $256.10 | $384.15 | $512.20 | $1,024.40 | $2,561.00 | $5,122.00 | $51,220.00 | Oct 1, 2002 |
| November 1972 | $128.05 | $256.10 | $384.15 | $512.20 | $1,024.40 | $2,561.00 | $5,122.00 | $51,220.00 | Nov 1, 2002 |
| December 1972 | $128.33 | $256.66 | $384.99 | $513.32 | $1,026.64 | $2,566.60 | $5,133.20 | $51,332.00 | Dec 1, 2002 |
Note: face values issued in every month of 1972 are $25, $50, $75, $100, $200, $500, $1,000 and $10,000 (TreasuryDirect calculator windows). Prices are 75% of face (31 CFR 316.2(b)). Final maturity is 30 years for all 12 months, one group under 31 CFR 316.8(b), June 1969 to November 1973 issues.
Source: Bureau of the Fiscal Service, Savings Bonds Value Files (Fiscal Data, dataset 015-BFS-2014Q3-094, updated November 2, 2026), redemption month November 2026. Values for each face value are the file's $25-unit value times face/25; Series E values have not changed since final maturity.
A 1972 Savings Bond Is Series E, Never Series EE
A savings bond dated 1972 is a Series E bond, never Series EE, because Series EE began in January 1980 and every Series E bond is dated May 1941 to June 1980 (31 CFR 316.1).
An EE chart or a "double in 20 years" rule gives a wrong value. See how Series EE savings bonds, sold from 1980, differ.
When 1972 Bonds Stopped Earning Interest: January to December 2002
Every 1972 Series E bond reached final maturity (the date interest stops) on the 1st of its issue month in 2002, 30 years after issue, and has earned no interest since (31 CFR 316.8(b)).
- 1972 issues: January 1 to December 1, 2002
- Group: June 1969 to November 1973 issues, final maturity June 1999 to November 2003; 1972 is months 32 to 43 of 54
- Rule: 40 years for May 1941 to November 1965 issues, 30 years for December 1965 to June 1980 issues
- Timeline: TreasuryDirect's history timeline dates the 30-year schedule to 1989
The 1962 bonds also stopped earning in 2002, on the same days of the year, but after 40 years. A $100 bond from January 1962 is worth $827.00 against $503.52 from January 1972. Other savings bonds mature and stop earning interest on other dates.
Why a January 1972 Bond Has the Lowest Value of Its Group
A January 1972 Series E bond is worth $125.88 per $25 ($503.52 per $100) in November 2026, the lowest value of all 54 issue months from June 1969 to November 1973, which share one 30-year final-maturity group.
December 1971 is worth $126.66, $0.78 more, and the lowest 1971 month, July, is $126.06. The group's top is December 1970 at $140.01 per $25.
Table 2: The seven 1972 value groups and the months next to them, November 2026
| Issue months | Months | $25 value | $100 value | Interest stopped | Year page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 1971 | 1 | $126.66 | $506.64 | Dec 1, 2001 | 1971 Series E savings bond value |
| January 1972 | 1 | $125.88 | $503.52 | Jan 1, 2002 | |
| February 1972 | 1 | $126.17 | $504.68 | Feb 1, 2002 | |
| March to May 1972 | 3 | $126.19 | $504.76 | Mar 1 to May 1, 2002 | |
| June 1972 | 1 | $126.54 | $506.16 | Jun 1, 2002 | |
| July 1972 | 1 | $127.77 | $511.08 | Jul 1, 2002 | |
| August to November 1972 | 4 | $128.05 | $512.20 | Aug 1 to Nov 1, 2002 | |
| December 1972 | 1 | $128.33 | $513.32 | Dec 1, 2002 | |
| January 1973 | 1 | $129.56 | $518.24 | Jan 1, 2003 | 1973 Series E savings bond value |
Note: January 1972 has the lowest value of the 54 issue months from June 1969 to November 1973, which share one final-maturity group under 31 CFR 316.8(b). From January to December 1972 the value rises or holds every month.
Source: Bureau of the Fiscal Service, Savings Bonds Value Files (Fiscal Data, dataset 015-BFS-2014Q3-094, updated November 2, 2026), redemption month November 2026. Values for each face value are the file's $25-unit value times face/25; Series E values have not changed since final maturity.
How the Value Rises Through 1972, Month by Month
1972 has seven value groups, and from January to December the value only rises or holds from one month to the next. Per $25: $125.88 in January, $126.17 in February, $126.19 March to May, $126.54 in June, $127.77 in July, $128.05 August to November, $128.33 in December.
Six of the 11 steps rise and 5 hold. The largest is June to July, $1.23 per $25 ($4.92 per $100). The range is $2.45 per $25 ($9.80 per $100); January 1973 starts at $129.56.
What a 1972 Bond Cost and How Much Interest It Earned
A 1972 Series E bond cost 75% of its face value, $18.75 for a $25 bond, $56.25 for a $75 bond and $75 for a $100 bond, and its value grew until 2002 (31 CFR 316.2(b)). Treasury pays the interest only when you cash the bond (31 CFR 315.30).
A $100 bond carries $428.52 (January) to $438.32 (December) of interest. That makes a 1972 bond worth 6.71 to 6.84 times its price.
Which Face Values Were Issued in 1972: Eight, From $25 to $10,000
Treasury's calculator prices 1972 Series E bonds in 8 face values, all valid for every 1972 issue month: $25, $50, $75, $100, $200, $500, $1,000 and $10,000. The list gives each price and value range.
- $25: $18.75 ($125.88 to $128.33)
- $50: $37.50 ($251.76 to $256.66)
- $75: $56.25 ($377.64 to $384.99)
- $100: $75 ($503.52 to $513.32)
- $200: $150 ($1,007.04 to $1,026.64)
- $500: $375 ($2,517.60 to $2,566.60)
- $1,000: $750 ($5,035.20 to $5,133.20)
- $10,000: $7,500 ($50,352.00 to $51,332.00)
Treasury's calculator and 31 CFR 316.2(b) list no $5,000 Series E, so a $5,000 bond dated 1972 is Series H.
Which Savings Bonds Were Sold in 1972: Series E, Series H and Retirement Plan Bonds
A savings bond bought in 1972 is one of 3 kinds: a Series E bond, a Series H bond or a U.S. Retirement Plan Bond. Table 3 compares them.
Table 3: Savings bonds sold in 1972
| Kind | Price | Face values | Interest | Stopped earning | Paid today | Where to cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series E | 75% of face | $25 to $10,000 (Table 1) | added to the value | 2002 (30 years) | Table 1 value | a financial institution that cashes savings bonds, or FS Form 1522 by mail |
| Series H savings bonds | face value | $500, $1,000, $5,000, $10,000 | paid every six months | 30 years after issue (1972 issues: 2002, our calculation) | face value | FS Form 1522 by mail (banks may not pay Series H, 31 CFR 321.7(a)) |
| Retirement Plan Bonds | face value | $50, $100, $500, $1,000 | not stated in our sources | stops by the 60th month after the registered owner's death (31 CFR 341.1(b)); some may still earn | not in our data | FS Form 1522 by mail |
Sources: 31 CFR 316.2(b), 316.8(b); 31 CFR 332.8; 31 CFR 341; 31 CFR 321.7(a); TreasuryDirect historical and retired bonds page (as of November 11, 2026).
Savings Notes (Freedom Shares) were sold only from May 1, 1967 to October 31, 1970 (31 CFR 342.0), so none is dated 1972.
How to Find the Exact Value of Your 1972 Savings Bond
Treasury prices a 1972 Series E bond by its issue month and face value; for 1972 the month moves the value only between $125.88 (January) and $128.33 (December) per $25. Use our savings bond calculator, built on Treasury's published value files, for any paper E bond.
- Check that the bond says Series E.
- Read the issue date on a paper savings bond, upper right (31 CFR 316.2(c)(2), (d)).
- Ignore the validation date, lower right.
- Read the face value.
- Find the row and column in Table 1.
TreasuryDirect's free calculator marks matured E bonds "MA". A 1972 bond carries no Social Security number, required only on bonds issued on or after January 1, 1974 (31 CFR 316.2(c)(1)).
Cashing a 1972 Savings Bond and Reporting Its Interest
A 1972 Series E bond is cashed at a financial institution that cashes savings bonds or by mail with FS Form 1522, and Treasury charges no fee. Read how to cash savings bonds.
Banks may cash paper bonds but need not (FS Publication 0022, Rev. October 2022), and may not charge you (31 CFR 321.23(c)). You write your Social Security number on the bond (31 CFR 315.39(a)).
FS Form 1522 (Revised April 2026; PDF, TreasuryDirect) goes with the bond to Treasury Retail Securities Services, P.O. Box 9150, Minneapolis, MN 55480-9150. Treasury says 3 months or longer in your name, 5 if not (November 11, 2026); see how to cash by mail with FS Form 1522.
At $1,000 or less, you sign and enclose an ID copy: a January $100 with a $75 ($881.16), or a December $100 with a $75 ($898.31). Above $1,000, a notary or certifying officer certifies your signature: any $200 bond ($1,007.04 to $1,026.64) or two January $100 bonds ($1,007.04).
Tax Year 2002: When Interest on a 1972 Bond Was Reportable
Interest on a 1972 bond that was never cashed became reportable for tax year 2002, the year of its final maturity, unless reported earlier (31 CFR 316.9; IRS Publication 550).
The interest is $428.52 to $438.32 per $100 bond, federal only (31 CFR 316.9(a)). Ask a tax professional about a missed year; see federal tax on savings bond interest.
Lost, Found or Inherited 1972 Bonds
Five situations change what an owner or heir does with a 1972 bond: lost, inherited, inherited with unreported interest, found, or held in Treasury records only.
Table 4: Lost, found or inherited 1972 bonds
| Situation | Rule for a 1972 bond | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Lost, stolen or destroyed | Claim on FS Form 1048 (Revised March 2026). Claims 6 years or more after final maturity need the serial number (31 CFR 315.29(c)); for 1972 bonds that is 2008 at the latest (our calculation). Treasury's 2024 Report to Congress (March 11, 2025) said records of October 1957 to November 1973 issues were digitized in a phase completed January 2024. Treasury Hunt has been unavailable since September 30, 2025. A bond serial number is printed on the bond. | FS Form 1048 claim for lost savings bonds |
| Owner has died | The surviving "OR" co-owner or the P.O.D. (payable-on-death) beneficiary takes the bond, otherwise the estate (31 CFR 315.70). | inherited savings bonds after death |
| Inherited, interest never reported | If the owner died before the bond's final maturity, interest earned before death is income in respect of a decedent unless reported on the owner's final return. If the owner was alive at final maturity, the interest was reportable for that year (26 CFR 1.454-1(a)(1); IRS Publication 550). | taxes on inherited savings bonds |
| Found among papers | The value comes from Table 1 by issue month. Check the owner, co-owner and beneficiary before cashing. | found old savings bonds |
| Held in Treasury records, not in hand | A bond over 3 years past final maturity may be shared with a State that has an information-sharing agreement (31 U.S.C. 3105(f)); none is publicly known as of November 11, 2026 (89 FR 102735, December 18, 2024). | unclaimed savings bonds |
Other Issue Years and Face Values
Neighboring issue years and every face value are listed below.
- 1962 Series E savings bond value (also stopped in 2002, after 40 years)
- 1970 Series E savings bond value (the highest month of the same group, December 1970)
- 1971 Series E savings bond value
- 1973 Series E savings bond value
- 1974 Series E savings bond value
- $25 savings bond worth
- $50 savings bond worth
- $75 savings bond worth
- $200 savings bond worth
- $500 savings bond worth
- $5,000 savings bond worth (Series H in 1972)
- $10,000 savings bond worth
1972 Savings Bond FAQ
How much is a $25 savings bond from 1972 worth today?
A $25 savings bond from 1972 is worth $125.88 to $128.33 in November 2026, by issue month.
How much is a $100 savings bond from 1972 worth after 30 years?
Every $100 Series E bond issued in 1972 reached final maturity after exactly 30 years and is worth $503.52 (January) to $513.32 (December) in November 2026. See what a $100 savings bond is worth after 30 years, any series.
How much is a $1,000 savings bond from 1972 worth?
A $1,000 Series E bond from 1972 is worth $5,035.20 (January) to $5,133.20 (December) in November 2026. It earned for 30 years, not 20. See the $1,000 savings bond worth for every series.
How much is a $10,000 savings bond from 1972 worth?
A $10,000 Series E bond from 1972 is worth $50,352.00 (January) to $51,332.00 (December) in November 2026. It cost $7,500; by mail it needs a certified signature.
Does a 1972 savings bond expire?
No: a 1972 US savings bond, now 53 to 54 years old, does not expire and can be cashed at any time (31 CFR 315.35(c); EO 13968, 85 FR 83745). It has earned nothing since 2002.
Has the value of a 1972 bond changed since 2002?
No: a 1972 bond's value has not changed since its final maturity in 2002. The value files show one figure per 1972 month in every redemption period through May 2027.
What interest rate does a 1972 savings bond earn today?
A 1972 Series E bond earns no interest rate today: it stopped earning on the 1st of its issue month in 2002, and its value stays at $125.88 to $128.33 per $25. Rates on bonds sold today are not covered here.
Claiming from Treasury and from state programs costs nothing, and the forms are free. Found bonds you cannot cash, or a relative's bonds? ClaimMyBonds is a private company, not the government; we can help with the paperwork, tracing and follow-up.