Legal Tender notes are one of the earliest types of US Paper money. The first issued Legal Tender bills began circulation in 1862 and they are still in use today in the form of the $2.00 bill. Legal Tender Notes, aka United States Notes have an obligation printed on them that reads: "This note is a Legal Tender for all debts public and private..." There are variations of the obligation text but those words above will be instantly recognizable. Legal Tender notes are among the most interesting and varied designs. Earlier notes can be scarce!