Expert: Ronald Fern - 12/13/2009

Question
I have 10 Sequential Serial numbered silver certificates in Unc. condition. Series 1957. What might they be worth?

Answer
Hi Eric:

Thanks for the question.

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 found a site selling 9 consecutive serial numbered 1957 $1 Silver Certificates in Gem CU condition for $99, or about $10 each. See link: http://www.antiquecurrencyllc.com Yours should be worth that. I also found a listing for two consecutive serial numbered 1957 $1 Silver Certificates in Gem CU condition for $14.99. See link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem%26item=390129080073#ht_2259wt_732

If you should decide to sell your bill to a dealer, remember they will offer about 50% to 60% of the retail value. You should always get two or more estimates, and try and deal with PNG (Professional Numismatists Guild) dealers when possible. I'll list the link for you to check dealers near you.

To find a PNG dealer, see Link: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Explanation of U.S. Currency Grades:

Rag - A note that in addition to being well worn may also have a considerable amount of damage such as tears, frayed edges, and possibly missing pieces from the note.

Good - A note that just falls short of being graded Very Good.

Very Good - A note that will be fairly well-soiled, may be significantly worn; might have roughness around the edges with only minute problems.

Fine - Well-circulated with little crispness remaining; edges may be rough.

Very Fine - Some circulation; may show several folds and will have lost some of its crispness and color.

Extremely Fine - Circulated; may have some folds; still have crispness.

AU - (Almost Uncirculated) - Notes in this condition will be much the same as a "new" Note except for a fold or two in the note and possibly one or more corner folds.

CU 60 (Crisp Uncirculated) - No trace of circulation. Can have centering problems, pin holes, counting smudges, wrinkles, close margins, or a corner tip fold that is not into the design.

CH CU 63 (Choice Crisp Uncirculated-63) - A nice new Note but not quite Gem. Centering may be a little off. May show some aging or light counting smudges or wrinkles.

VCH CU 64 (Very Choice Crisp Uncirculated-64) - A bright Note that's slightly below Gem quality. Margins and color are above average. A Note that may have slight centering problems.

GEM CU 65 (Gem Crisp Uncirculated-65) - An almost perfect Note. Better than average margins. No aging or fading.

SUP CU 67 (Superb Crisp Uncirculated-67) - A nearly flawless Note with perfect centering. Full wide margins all around. Colors are totally bright, crisp and vibrant. The quality of a note in this condition is outstanding.

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.