Expert: Ronald Fern - 12/7/2009

Question
What is the value of crisp 1963b series dollar bills, signed by secretary of the treasury Barr (in 1968/1969)?

Answer
Hi James:

I'm not strong on bills, but I did find an answer by Brad Swain from August, 2007 that seems to fit what you are asking:

Brad states "Joseph Barr was the Treasury Secretary signature that was on the 1963B $1 notes for only a short time. At the time it was supposed that these notes may be scarcer but many millions, if not more, were printed with this signature. It may be worth about $4 if in uncirculated condition.

Collector value of a note depends on date and condition, including amount of wear, any folds, tears or stains as well as collector demand.

Modern U.S. notes were printed in such large quantities that they are only worth a good bit more than face value if they are in original uncirculated condition."

I also found the following on the Internet relative to your bills: Barr signed $1 bills have managed to find their way into most paper currency hobbyists collections. If nothing else, they are a curiosity, something a person can show to non-collecting friends and provide a quick, uncomplicated, easy to understand story with. Not always an easy task when some 'civilian' inevitably asks: "Why do you collect money?"

So what are Barr Notes worth? This writer has seen Barr Notes offered on eBay for $2 each. Earlier this year an advertiser in Coin World, our sister publication, offered a 100 note pack of 1963-B notes from the Kansas City District Federal Reserve Bank in gem, crisp uncirculated condition for $450. That breaks down to $4.50 each, from the district that produced the lowest number (less than 45-million) of Barr Notes.

You might also find similar pieces on Ebay.com under US currency for comparison.

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Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.