Expert: Ronald Fern - 2/10/2010

Question
I have a framed original 1896 silver dollar certificate (D86 series) that is in good condition.  Can you estimate its value for me?  Thank you!

Answer
Hi Teri:

Thanks for your question.

As with coins, condition is critical in establishing the true value of your bill. All I can do is to estimate the approximate worth. The serial numbers have no bearing as to value unless they are a low number, unusual number, or a replacement (*) star note. Your bill should be evaluated by either ANA or PNG dealers. Most will offer opinions free of charge. Here's a link to find one in your area:  http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Based on your description, you appear to have a Fr-224 (Tillman/Morgan) or Fr-225 (Bruce/Roberts) note. The FR-225 is the tougher one of the two $1 notes to come by. Your 1896 $1 Silver Certificate is known as an "Educational Series" note because of the design.

The Front of the Note was designed by Will H. Low and engraved by Charles Schlecht.  History instructing youth to the left to the right the Constitution, in the background the Washington Monument and the Capitol, around the borders the names of great Americans in wreaths.

The Back of the Note shows Heads of George and Martha Washington.  Thomas F. Morris designed the back from a portrait of Martha Washington, Engraved by Charles Burt in 1878 and a portrait of George Washington, Engraved in 1867 by Alfred Sealey.

A recent issue of "Paper Money Values" shows your $1 Silver Certificate in very good condition to have a retail value of $175 and $950 in extra fine condition. You may also want to check EBay listings in the US Coins and Currency section to see if notes like yours are listed and what they are going for.

Remember, should you decide to sell your notes to get at least two estimates from established currency dealers. You can find them listed at link: http://www.rarecurrency.net/ Dealers will normally pay 50% to 60% of retail for notes they are interested in.

For determining the grade of your notes as well as some other interesting facts on paper money, see link: http://www.littletoncoin.com/LCC/html/features/pdf/How_to_Collect_Paper_Money.pd...

For more information on currency, see links: http://www.secretservice.gov/money_characteristics.shtml
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_one-dollar_bill

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Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.