Expert: Ronald Fern - 2/21/2011

Question
QUESTION: I have several Barr Dollars which are new and in perfect condition. These dollars are personally signed by Joe Barr, just above his printed signature. He signed them for me in Kansas City while he was still Secty of the Treasury.
Could you give me an approximate value?
Thanks, Cullen Kehoe

ANSWER: Hi William:

Thanks for the question.

This seems to be a popular subject, regarding Barr dollars. It was thought that these notes would increase in value due to the limited number of days that good old Joe was in office as the Secretary of Treasury, but sadly this is not the case. A common misconception is that currency bearing Barr's name is rare. In reality, 458,880,000 $1.00 notes were printed bearing his signature. No other denominations were printed with his signature.

Collector value of a note depends on date, series and condition, including amount of wear, any folds, tears or stains as well as collector demand.

Here's a link for currency grading: http://www.cganotes.com/

An Uncirculated (no wear or folds at all) note with his signature can go on Ebay.com to an interested collector for up to $5.

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

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. And 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: Hi Mr. Fern, I have only one additional question about the Barr Dollars. Did I make myself clear, Joe Barr signed my Barr Dollars personally for me in pen and ink above the regular treasury signature? Thanks again!

William Kehoe

Answer
Hi William:

Sorry, I did not read your question correctly. I found one listed for sale at $249.00, plus shipping, but it was graded by PCGS and in a special holder. See: http://www.treasuredstocks.com/currency/autographed-notes/2718-1963-1-federal-re

I'm guessing your bills should be worth about 50% to 75% not being graded to an interested party. I'd suggest you consider getting them graded. Here are several firms grading currency: PCGS: http://www.pcgscurrency.com/index.html or PMG: http://www.pmgnotes.com/

Thanks Again, and Continued Good Luck in your collecting.