Expert: Ronald Fern - 2/13/2011

Question
Hi Ron-

  I was able to purchase a silver Hawaiian certificate.However, mine has an inscription in pen."Happy Birthday James from your brother Lionel".On the reverse side it says FROM PEARL HARBOR also in pen.So my question to you is does the writing decrease its value?Thanks ever so much!Tawna

Answer
Hi Tawna:

Thanks for your question. These notes are sometimes still found in circulation and are worth about $35 each in average condition. With the addition on the inscription, your note could be considered something like a "Short Snorter" note. To some collectors of WWII items, it might bring a slight premium over the normal value of the note.

Dr. Sol Taylor states: "During World War II, especially in the Pacific theater, American servicemen would often use a piece of paper money to sign their name, and when it was full, they could tape it to a second (or third or fourth) note and continue the process. These World War II souvenirs show up in swap meets, coin shows, and of course online at various auction sites. One site showed a few pieces including a Hawaii $1 overprint that went for $35 and a Chinese note that went for $50. Prices do not seem to vary much above or below these figures."

For more information on your note, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaii_overprint_note or http://www.docstoc.com/docs/47685994/The-Value-of-1-Silver-Certificate-Bills

You may want to check US coins and currency listings under paper currency on eBay from time to time to see if your note 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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