Martin, I strongly disagree about the $100 in SHTF situations. The only magic piece of paper is the US $100 bill and it is pure magic. For "routine" situations, it may be more than you wish to part with. OTOH, simple things like getting a tow or vehicle extraction in a remote area or in dicey times... a $100 bill again produces results.

I write this from the perspective of experiences here and in third world countries. I imagine the Euro will achieve that status soon (if not already) in some parts of the world, but so far the US $100 remains universal.

The problem with the $50 is that it is too frequently mistaken for a $20 in a hurry and is not as frequently used, so I agree about that.

Regards,

Tom