Expert: Ronald Fern - 1/5/2011

Question
Ronald, I recently ran across some $1 dollar bills I bought a long time ago.  They are the dollar bills with Barrs signature.  I have 150 of them with the wrappers still on the bundles and they are all in consecative serial numbers.  Are they worth any more than a dollar.  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Ken:

Thanks for your question. I'm not strong on regular 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." For more information, see: http://www.moneyfactory.gov/barrnotes.html

Barr signed $1 bills have managed to find their way into most paper currency hobbyists collections. Barr Notes are offered on eBay for around $2 each. Earlier this year an advertiser in Coin World offered a 100 note pack of 1963-B notes from the Kansas City District Federal Reserve Bank in gem, crisp uncirculated condition for $450, or $4.50 each, from the district that produced the lowest number (less than 45-million) of Barr Notes. Following that reasoning, your 150 consecutive serial number notes could be worth around $675 to an interested collector.

You may want to check US coins and currency listings under $1 notes on eBay from time to time to see if your bill is listed what this type of item may bring.

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

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Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.