Expert: Ronald Fern - 12/8/2011

Question
QUESTION: Ronald:

Please permit me to ask more than one question:

1.Do Series 1963 'B' 1 Dollar bills with facsimile signature of Treasury Secretary Joseph W. Barr have any collectible value? I found some while cleaning out old files and seem to recall something about them being scarce.

2. Is there any collectible value to Series 1963 'A' and 1974 1 dollar bills with sequential serial numbers in almost-uncirculated condition?

3. Do Series 2003 US 2 Dollar bills have any value above face?

Thank you,

Doug

ANSWER: Doug:

1. 1963B $1. No. Not scarce, no added collector value, unless uncirculated, then up to $3 each. There's a lot of fiction surrounding these bills. Joseph Barr only served as Treasury Secretary for about 5 weeks, so people assume the bills are rare. It was a while before a new Secretary was appointed, and the BEP continued to churn out bills with his signature. In fact, nearly half a billion were printed before the next series started! The only reason they were uncommon in circulation is that people saved them as soon as they got one in change.

2. 1963A, 1974 $1. No to both, no added collector value, unless uncirculated, then up to $3 each.

3. 2003 $2. No, no added collector value, unless uncirculated, then up to $4 each.

For prices, see: http://www.coinsite.com/html/uspapermoneyprices(sm).asp

You may want to check US currency listings on eBay from time to time to see if yours note are listed what these type of items may bring.

If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to the value and if they are authentic at no charge. Remember, should you choose to sell your notes, get at least two estimates from professional coin dealers (PNG). I've listed a link for you to find them in your area. Link: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Dealers normally pay between 50% to 60% of retail for items they want. In an auction, you can set the price, and potentially get more.

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: Ronald:

Some follow up questions...

1. How does one determine if a bill is 'uncirculated'? Does such a bill come direct from the Treasury? Or is it a new bill from the bank teller window which is then rated by an authorized expert and sealed in a standardized plastic envelope? I presume that brand new bills received from the bank teller's window do not count as uncirculated- is that correct?

2.  Is there any collectible value for the following?

- 2 dollar bill, Series 1928 'G' (well used);

- 2 dollar bill, Series 1953 'C' (excellent condition);

- 1 dollar bill Silver Certificate, Series 1957A (good condition).

Thank you again for your very expeditious, informative, detailed, and helpful response.

Doug

Answer
Doug:

1. Currency is considered uncirculated if it is crisp, new, and has no folds, creases or color loss. Bills received from a bank teller can be uncirculated, as well as one's received from merchants. Here's some general information on how currency is made.

Bills are printed in sheets of 32 notes and in three phases. The back is printed first and taken to a drying room. Next the front is printed and then allowed to dry. Last, the serial numbers and Treasury shield are printed in an overprint press. They then are cut and put into bundles of 100.

For more information, see: http://www.madehow.com/Volume-3/Paper-Currency.html

2. 1953C, $2, excellent condition, retail value, $8; 1957A, $1, silver certificate, good condition, retail value, $1-2; and Series 1928G, $2, well used, retail value, $3-$10.

For more information, see: http://currency.ha.com/c/ref/worth.zx or For values, see: http://www.coinsite.com/html/uspapermoneyprices(sm).asp

Hope that helps. Please remember to rate the reply. Continued good luck in your collecting.