Expert: PAPAJACK - 1/5/2008

Question
Hi, I have a 1935D Silver Certificate $1. I know from my limited research that it may not be a, "Hey, I'm rich!" note, but I wanted to be sure. I was just curious to know what the value of it might be, and if you think it might be more valuable in the future. Any help or information is appreciated!

Answer
Hello PJ,                                       

1935 series D Silver Certificate –
These small size (current size) notes are similar to today’s Federal Reserve Notes except that they have blue treasury seals and serial numbers. In circulated condition, they carry only minimal premiums over face value. Some exceptions are replacement notes (which have a * as part of the serial number) and a few of the very early series, as well as notes with errors or special or fancy serial numbers.   

Such common circulated Silver Certificates will be difficult to generate interest in simply due to a still plentiful supply and limited demand regardless of the "catalog value."
I do think a nice specimin will hold its value or go up in the future but there were so many millions made than worn specimens are common and sell for less than $5.00.

Below is a quick grading guide for paper notes.

UNCIRCULATED - UNC: A perfect note. Crisp and clean as issued and without any folds, creases, blemishes or discoloration. Colors have original hue and brightness. Some issues may have ripples [as made]. Mention must be made if the design is not perfectly centered with usual width of margins.

ABOUT UNCIRCULATED - AU: Similar to Uncirculated but with the allowance of a light fold [usually a vertical center fold] or two or three very light counting folds, but not both. Counting creases resulting in broken paper fibbers, or any other creases, reduce the grade depending on their number and severity. The practice of using "almost" and "about" to designate a slightly lower or a plus in the case of lower grades to designate in-between grades is common, e.g. "almost AU" or "EF plus". Notes not perfectly centered with width of margins must be so described.

EXTREMELY FINE - EF: Similar to Almost Uncirculated but the center fold, vertical or horizontal, may be a crease, i.e. paper fibbers are broken, or there may be up to three heavy counting folds [not creases] or two light creases, but no combination of the above. The centering and margins if not perfect must be noted.

VERY FINE - VF: A fairly crisp and clean note. It may have several major and minor creases and folds, and some evidence of wear especially along the edges or at the corners. There may be some slight decrease in hue and intensity of the colors. The design in the creases should not be worn off.

FINE - F: A note with considerable evidence of circulation. Numerous creases and folds, but a small degree of firmness remaining. Usually fairy soiled and the hue and intensity of the color are slightly reduced. There may be a slight amount of the design worn off along the major creases. Creases should not be worn off.

VERY GOOD - VG: A heavily circulated note but with all the major design still visible. Usually limp with no crispness or firmness, quite soiled, hue and intensity of the color will be faded or altered. A moderate amount of the design may be worn off along the major creases or in the "counting creases" areas. Numerous other defects may apply [see list below]

GOOD - G: Soft and very limp, often with tears and small pieces missing. Usually some of the major design is worn off. Note may be quite dark in appearance. Manuscript signatures, dates and sheet numbers may be worn off or entirely faded out. Often have numerous tears and other defects.

FAIR - F: Similar to GOOD, but larger pieces missing. Manuscript signatures, dates and sheet numbers may be worn off or entirely faded out. Often have numerous tears and other defects.

Only after the grade is determined can you use a price guide, or can it be properly appraised.

The main Grades are FINE,  EXTRA FINE and CRISP UNCIRCULATED. You can use this retailers selling page to price your certificate. Copy the link into the address bar on your computer.

http://www.sammler.com/coins/certificates.htm

Thank You and Good Luck

PapaJack