Series 1935A $1 Blue Seal Silver Certificate
Paper Currency (Silver-Exchangable Banknote) · Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), U.S. Department of the Treasury
Pattern: Series 1935A Small-Size Silver Certificate; Julian-Morgenthau signature combination
Type
Paper Currency (Silver-Exchangable Banknote)
Maker
Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), U.S. Department of the Treasury
Material
75% cotton, 25% linen paper with blue silk fibers; historically backed by silver bullion or silver dollars
Dimensions
Standard U.S. small-size banknote: 6.14 x 2.61 inches (approx. 156 x 66 mm); weight approx. 1 gram
Description
An iconic piece of American monetary history, this Silver Certificate features a distinct blue seal and serial numbers. The central vignette showcases George Washington. Unlike Federal Reserve Notes, these were receipts for physical silver held in the Treasury. This specific 1935A Series is famed for being the 'workhorse' note of the mid-20th century.
Key Features
Blue Treasury Seal; 'Silver Certificate' text across the top; statement of silver payability at the bottom; Check Letter 'F' and Plate Number 'F 3311'
Material & Composition
75% cotton, 25% linen paper with blue silk fibers; historically backed by silver bullion or silver dollars
Finish & Decoration
Intaglio printing process; blue treasury seal and serial numbers; portrait of George Washington (after Gilbert Stuart); ornate guilloche borders
Hallmarks & Stamps
Serial number R29996364B; blue Treasury Seal (small type); Signatures of W.A. Julian (Treasurer) and Henry Morgenthau Jr. (Secretary)
Construction Details
Machine-printed using high-pressure intaglio steel plates on specialized security paper with visible security fibers
Functional Features
Negotiable legal tender; originally 'Payable to the Bearer on Demand' in silver until redemption rights ended in 1968
Handle & Grip Details
Currently housed in a rigid semi-hard plastic top-loader for numismatic protection; handle with cotton gloves to avoid oils
Craftsmanship Details
Superior intaglio engraving showing fine lines in Washington's hair and clothing; precision lathe work in the '1' cartouches.
Authentication Indicators
Raised intaglio ink feel; correct small-type blue seal for the 1935A series; embedded red/blue security fibers; consistent typography
Origin & Manufacturing
United States of America; Washington D.C., Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Era & Period
Early 20th Century / World War II Era (Series 1935A was the primary WWII-era issue)
Age Estimate
Produced between 1935 and 1945 based on the Series 1935A designation and Secretary Morgenthau's tenure
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition of the U.S. dollar from commodity-backed currency to fiat currency; symbolizes the metal standard that defined 19th and early 20th-century American economics.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition; visible vertical/horizontal folds (creases), corner rounding, and localized staining/toning. Grade approx. Fine (F-12) to Very Fine (VF-20).
Value Estimate
$3.00 - $7.00 in current circulated condition; higher for uncirculated (MS) or rare 'star' serial number variants.
Care & Maintenance
Store in PVC-free Mylar sleeves; keep away from direct sunlight (UV fades blue ink); maintain stable humidity to prevent foxing or mildew.
Similar Pieces
1935A 'Hawaii' overprint (brown seal); 1935A 'North Africa' (yellow seal); 1957 Series Silver Certificates (with 'In God We Trust')
Interesting Facts
Until June 24, 1968, holders of this note could walk into a Treasury office and demand one silver dollar or raw silver granules in exchange for it.