Expert: Ronald Fern - 1/26/2011

Question
QUESTION: How rare is a 1963 Kennedy one dollar bill with no serial # and no seal with a red ink back and what is the value

ANSWER: Hi Adam:

Sorry, there is no Kennedy $1 bill. Washington is on the face of a one dollar bill. If your has Kennedy, it was altered after it was released into circulation. It would have no added collector value.

Here's a link for history of the $1 bills: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_one-dollar_bill

Here's link for you to view different types of real error currency and their values.

If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to the value at no charge. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. If you should decide to sell your items to a dealer, remember they will offer about 50% to 60% of the retail value. Here's a link to find one in your area: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Sorry it doesnt have Kennedy on the bill it was minted in Dallas with a k on it no serial # and no seal with red ink back

Answer
Hi Again Adam:

Thanks for the follow-up question.

The key to your question is the "red ink back", along with the missing serial number, and green seal. I'm guessing your note was likely altered, by erasing the serial numbers and seal, as well as getting bleached. The green ink is affected by bleach. Someone either did this on purpose, or the bill went through the wash by mistake in someone's pocket. I've seen this type of note before. Your bill was almost certainly exposed to something, perhaps bleach or detergent, that took some of the blue component of the green ink out. The black ink is not affected by the bleach when the bill is washed.

You may want to try two experiments for yourself on two dollar bills. Take one directly and apply bleach to the back side and see what happens. Take another bill and run it through the wash and dry cycle. Compare the two to your "error" bill you asked about, and let me know. They are still spendable, so don't worry.

Your note is an interesting curiosity but likely has no added numismatic value.  

You may want to check US currency listings under errors on eBay from time to time to see if bills like yours are offered for sale, and what they bring.

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You Again, and Continued Good Luck in your collecting.