Series 1935A One Dollar Silver Certificate (R-B Block)
Coin/Bullion (Paper Currency Representative) · Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), United States Treasury Department
Pattern: Series 1935A Blue Seal Silver Certificate
Type
Coin/Bullion (Paper Currency Representative)
Maker
Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), United States Treasury Department
Material
Paper (75% cotton, 25% linen) with blue security fibers; technically represents 0.7734 oz of silver bullion (historically)
Dimensions
Approximately 6.14 x 2.61 inches (156 x 66 mm); negligible weight (paper standard).
Description
A classic example of American 'hard money' representation, this Series 1935A Silver Certificate features the iconic blue seal and serial numbers that distinguished it from Federal Reserve Notes of the era. The note bears the 'Silver Certificate' header, promising the bearer one dollar in silver on demand. The paper shows heavy circulation but remains an evocative piece of numismatic history, representing the time when U.S. paper currency was directly backed by precious metal reserves.
Key Features
Blue Treasury seal, 'Silver Certificate' designation, Series 1935A identification, and the specific R-B serial block.
Material & Composition
Paper (75% cotton, 25% linen) with blue security fibers; technically represents 0.7734 oz of silver bullion (historically)
Finish & Decoration
Intaglio steel-plate printing. Features a blue Treasury seal and blue serial numbers. Obverse depicts George Washington; reverse features the Great Seal of the United States.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Serial Number R03091109B; Signatures of W.A. Julian (Treasurer) and Henry Morgenthau Jr. (Secretary of the Treasury); Plate position K3416.
Construction Details
Mechanical high-pressure intaglio printing on security paper containing red and blue synthetic fibers.
Functional Features
Legal tender document; historically redeemable for one silver dollar coin or raw silver granules until June 24, 1968.
Handle & Grip Details
Paper currency; currently housed in a secondary semi-rigid plastic protective sleeve (top-loader).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality government-grade intaglio engraving; micro-printing and fine line work designed to prevent counterfeiting by mid-century technology standards.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font styles for serial numbers, intact intaglio texture (implied), appropriate signature alignment for Series 1935A, and correct seal placement.
Origin & Manufacturing
Washington, D.C., United States of America; Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
Era & Period
Great Depression/Pre-WWII Era (Late Interwar Period), Series 1935A.
Age Estimate
Circa 1940-1944 based on the 1935A series designation and the Julian-Morgenthau signature combination.
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition of the U.S. monetary system from a commodity-backed currency to a fiat system. It reflects the economic policies and silver lobbying interests of the mid-20th century.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good (G-VG). Significant signs of circulation: heavy vertical and horizontal creasing, localized staining/foxing on the right margin, edge wear, and overall paper softening. No major tears visible through the sleeve.
Value Estimate
$2.00 - $5.00 USD in current circulated condition; essentially carries a small premium over face value due to condition.
Care & Maintenance
Keep in a PVC-free acid-free currency holder. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading of blue ink. Do not attempt to wash or 'iron' the paper as this destroys numismatic value.
Similar Pieces
1935A Hawaii Overprint (brown seal), 1935A North Africa Overprint (yellow seal), and the 1957 Series (which lacks the 'A' and has different signatures).
Interesting Facts
Until 1964, you could take this note to a bank and receive a physical silver dollar. From 1964 to 1968, the Treasury only redeemed them for silver 'crystals' or granules.