United States Series 1935 D One Dollar Silver Certificate
Coin/Bullion (Silver Certificate Paper Currency) · Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), U.S. Department of the Treasury
Pattern: Series 1935 Blue Seal Small Size Silver Certificate
Type
Coin/Bullion (Silver Certificate Paper Currency)
Maker
Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), U.S. Department of the Treasury
Material
Paper currency (75% cotton, 25% linen) representative of silver; formerly redeemable for silver dollars or silver bullion.
Dimensions
Standard modern U.S. banknote size: approximately 6.14 x 2.61 inches (156 x 66 mm); weight is roughly 1 gram.
Description
A classic piece of American numismatic history, this Series 1935 D one-dollar silver certificate features the distinct blue seal and serial numbers that differentiate it from standard green-seal Federal Reserve notes. The note carries the promise of redemption in silver, a vestige of the U.S. silver standard era.
Key Features
Blue Treasury seal, 'Silver Certificate' header, signatures of Clark and Snyder, and the specific 1935 D series designation.
Material & Composition
Paper currency (75% cotton, 25% linen) representative of silver; formerly redeemable for silver dollars or silver bullion.
Finish & Decoration
Intaglio printing process; Blue Treasury seal and serial numbers; features Gilbert Stuart's portrait of George Washington.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Blue Treasury Seal, signatures of Georgia Neese Clark (Treasurer) and John W. Snyder (Secretary of the Treasury).
Construction Details
Printed using high-pressure intaglio presses on security paper with red and blue synthetic fibers.
Functional Features
Negotiable legal tender; clause states 'In silver payable to the bearer on demand' (redemption rights ended in 1968).
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; paper substrate shows visible vertical fold and localized handling wear.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality engraving typical of the BEP; sharp linework in the borders and portrait despite circulation wear.
Authentication Indicators
Correct blue ink hue, microprinting clarity, signature match for the series, and presence of security fibers in the paper.
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Washington D.C.
Era & Period
Mid-20th Century (Post-WWII Treasury era); Series 1935 D was issued during the Truman administration.
Age Estimate
Issued circa 1949-1953 (based on Clark-Snyder signature dates).
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition of the U.S. monetary system from commodity-backed currency to fiat currency.
Condition Notes
Very Good (VG) to Fine (F) condition; exhibits a heavy central vertical fold, minor corner rounding, and light surface soiling consistent with circulation.
Value Estimate
$2.00 - $5.00 USD in this circulated condition; higher for uncirculated (CU) examples or rare star notes.
Care & Maintenance
Store in a PVC-free archival plastic sleeve; avoid folding, direct sunlight, and high humidity to prevent paper deterioration.
Similar Pieces
Series 1935 A (WWII Hawaii or North Africa overprints), Series 1957 (first to include 'In God We Trust'), and Series 1928 (Funnyback) certificates.
Interesting Facts
The 'D' series is significant as it was the first to use the Clark-Snyder signature combination; silver redemption for these notes officially ceased on June 24, 1968.