How Much Is A 1935 Dollar Bill Worth? (Value Guides)

Imagine slipping on a shirt woven primarily from cotton. Now, think of a currency note, specifically the one-dollar bill, made predominantly of the same soft material. Comprising 75% cotton and a 25% dash of conventional paper, this fascinating concoction ensures that these notes are not mere fleeting paper memories. Their robust structure ensures they brave the world for roughly six years before gracefully bowing out.

But while discussing the one-dollar note, have you ever pondered about the worth of an older version, say from 1935? You might assume it to retain its original value, and you wouldn’t be wrong for an average specimen. However, for those unique gems that have withstood time, they can command staggering prices – think the price of a brand new car, reaching up to $16,000!

The Journey of America’s Single-Dollar Bill

In a time when American coins were composed of precious metals, a peculiar situation arose. These metallic coins, designed to facilitate trade, ironically found themselves more valuable as melted metal than as money. This disparity often led to a curious behavior among the public—instead of spending coins, people frequently stashed them away or melted them to capitalize on their inherent material value. This widespread hoarding and melting of coins created a significant void in the everyday transactions of society, causing fluctuating and unstable prices.

To bridge this growing monetary void, the government introduced paper currency—a form of money that couldn’t be melted down like coins. Initially, this novel form of money was far from popular. In fact, it was greeted with a level of disdain, akin to the scraps of paper (nicknamed ‘shinplasters’) that soldiers would tuck into their boots to prevent chafing. Despite this rocky start, the scarcity of coins made this paper currency a necessary part of commerce. Even local businesses, state governments, and regional banks began issuing their own versions of paper money, further diversifying the landscape of American currency.

Seeing the need for a more unified approach, the Secretary of the Treasury at the time, Francis Spinner, serving under President Abraham Lincoln, took decisive action. A groundbreaking idea was conceived—attaching postage stamps to official treasury sheets, effectively transforming these stamps into a form of national currency. These innovative notes began to circulate as a tangible representation of monetary value.

As this concept evolved, the notes—dubbed ‘fractional currency’—were issued in various small denominations, from as little as 3 cents up to 50 cents. This paper money circulated from 1862 until 1876, a period during which they played a critical role in everyday transactions. In 1876, in a bid to phase out these fractional notes, the government began minting special silver coins to exchange for the remaining paper notes in circulation.

This strategic move paved the way for the introduction of the ‘silver certificate dollar bill.’ This was a significant milestone—a formal and official treasury note that could be exchanged for a specific quantity of silver, whether in the form of coins or raw bullion. Originally issued in large denominations—from $10 up to $1,000—these silver certificates eventually included smaller denominations of $1, $3, and $5 notes by 1886. They remained a staple of American currency from 1878 until 1964.

Today, while these historic silver certificates can no longer be traded for silver, they are still legally recognized and can be exchanged for modern paper currency. Notably, it was these one-dollar silver certificates that became the precursors of today’s ubiquitous one-dollar bills.

Thus, from being a mere afterthought tucked into a soldier’s boot to becoming a cornerstone of American commerce, the journey of the one-dollar bill is a fascinating tale of innovation, necessity, and evolution.

The Remarkable Journey of the 1935 U.S. One Dollar Bill

In the early days of American currency, the value of a dollar was tied to specific quantities of both gold and silver. This dual-metal anchor, known as bimetallism, allowed anyone to exchange a dollar for its equivalent in these precious metals at a bank. However, in a pivotal shift in 1873, the United States, through the Fourth Coinage Act—also known as the Mint Act or, controversially, the ‘Crime of ’73’—abandoned this dual system in favor of the gold standard. From this point on, dollars were only exchangeable for gold, relegating silver to a diminished role in the monetary system.

To ease the transition and maintain a role for silver in commerce, the U.S. government introduced Silver Certificates. These certificates, unlike coins, did not display the minting date but rather the date of significant design changes. Notably, minor changes, such as alterations to signatures on the bills, were indicated by appending a letter to the date. For instance, in 1935, a series of one dollar bills were issued, distinguished by letters ranging from A to H, with the subsequent series appearing in 1957.

The 1935 series of the one dollar bill holds a special place in American numismatic history for another reason. It was closely tied to significant legislative changes, with the Silver Act of 1934 serving as a key catalyst. This legislation was transformative, allowing the one dollar bill to stand on its own as a distinct and independent legal tender. Impressively, the iconic 1935 design remained largely consistent for several decades—even when some of these bills were printed as late as 1963, the year that saw the repeal of the Silver Purchase Act. By 1964, one dollar bills had solidified their official status.

The artwork of the 1935 dollar bill is rich with symbolism. The face of George Washington, the first President of the United States, graces the front side of the bill, while the reverse showcases the majestic Great Seal of the United States. This 1935 series marked the first time this national emblem was featured on one dollar notes, signifying their transition from Silver Certificates to official currency. This was a departure from the 1928 series of one dollar Silver Certificates, colloquially referred to as “funnybacks” due to their uniquely styled ‘One’ on the reverse side.

In terms of physical attributes, the modern dollar introduced in 1935 is a sleek and tangible piece of artistry. Its dimensions are precisely 6.14 inches by 2.16 inches, with a thickness of 11 millimeters. A subtle but meaningful change is seen in the color of the numeral ‘1’— transitioning from blue in the 1934 series to a refined grey in 1935. Moreover, these notes dropped the explicit reference to ‘silver’, with the inscription reading ‘one dollar’ as opposed to ‘one silver dollar’, marking the end of the era when they could be exchanged for silver.

A Glimpse into the Intricacies of the 1935 U.S. Dollar Bill

In today’s world, every single dollar bill we come across carries the notable phrase, ‘In God We Trust’. This wasn’t always the case, and this distinction is particularly noteworthy for collectors, especially those who are just dipping their toes into the world of numismatics.

Imagine the surprise of a budding collector who stumbles upon a 1935 dollar bill and notices that this iconic motto is missing. It’s a common misconception to think this absence is a misprint. However, this motto didn’t grace the face of the $1 notes until the year 1957. The 1935 dollar bills are visually reminiscent of today’s currency but are notably devoid of this famous phrase.

Yet, history always has its exceptions. In a twist that could puzzle even the most seasoned collector, the 1935G series of the $1 silver certificate takes center stage. Some bear the motto, and others do not, a remarkable inconsistency within the same series. Move to the 1935H certificates, and you’ll find a uniform absence of the motto, a consistent pattern that held until the bills of 1957 rolled off the presses.

In addition to their appearance, there’s a fascinating detail about the design of these 1935 bills. Observe the ‘One Dollar’ inscription at the bottom. In earlier versions, this inscription read ‘One Silver Dollar’, a reminder of a time when these notes represented a promise of silver in exchange. Despite this change, the top of these notes proudly proclaimed their status as a ‘Silver Certificate’, a ticket to exchange the note for actual silver bullion.

Adding another layer of intrigue is the matter of signatures. The bills from 1935 were printed with a series of plates that remained in use until 1957, and some of these bills didn’t even leave the mint until 1963. These notes were designated with letters ranging from A to H, indicating different series and signature combinations. But, as the printing dies aged and wore, a curious error emerged. Sometimes the official signatures, which should follow a chronological order, were mistakenly swapped.

For those with a keen eye looking for a quick verification trick, here’s a helpful hint: the treasury seal on the 1935 dollar bill was a vibrant blue and came with a backing of silver. Contrast this with the modern $1 bill, which sports a green seal and is purely a fiat currency, unbacked by precious metals and unexchangeable for gold or silver at the bank.

Interestingly, when these notes were initially issued, they had a surprising commonality with old coins. In a pinch and in need of change, people would sometimes cut these bills into halves or quarters, effectively creating their own smaller denominations.

In the aftermath of the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor, a special type of $1 bill emerged, known for its distinctive brown seal. These unique notes, known as Hawaii notes, became a fascinating chapter in American numismatic history. A similar narrative follows the North Africa notes with their unmistakable yellow seals, predominantly circulated during the turbulent times of World War II.

But the seal color isn’t the only factor that piques the interest of collectors. Take a look at the condition of these bills. When you come across a $1 bill labeled with a ‘C’ in its grade, it suggests one of two things: the bill is either ‘Choice’— a highly desirable find—or it is ‘Crisp’ and remains in the same untouched condition it was in when it left the mint.

Sold for a Pretty Penny: Recent Sales of 1935 Dollar Bills

Here is a recap of some confirmed transactions showcasing the potential value of these historical artifacts:

The Allure of Unique Serial Numbers

Imagine holding in your hands a $1 bill with the serial number 88888888. Such solid-numbered bills, where all digits are identical, are quite the treasure. So too are those with single-digit serial numbers like 00000001—a collector’s dream!

And what about sequential serial numbers? Consider owning a set of bills running from 00200154 to 00200165. Collectors have been known to pay substantial sums for such uninterrupted sequences.

Moreover, for the true aficionado, a slight misalignment in the serial numbers printed on either side of a bill—where they don’t match perfectly—can transform an ordinary dollar into a coveted asset. In such instances, currency dealers are often willing to write a hefty check!

Evaluating the Worth of 1935 One Dollar Notes

Just as with collectible coins, paper currency also undergoes a process of assessment to determine its condition and value. One such authority in this realm is the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), which extends its expertise not only to coins but also to banknotes, offering official evaluations. However, it’s worth noting that another giant in the numismatic world, the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), stays clear of paper money assessments.

If you are particularly interested in having your one dollar bills from 1935 scrutinized, the Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) stands ready to assist. This organization applies a grading methodology inspired by the Sheldon Scale originally conceived for coins. Let’s take a tour through the spectrum of grades that your old dollar bill could potentially earn:

• A grade of 4 or 6 signifies Good Condition, where the note shows considerable wear.
• Very Good Condition (8, 10) implies less wear but still quite circulated.
• A grade of 12 indicates the note is in Fine Condition.
• At 15, we have Choice Fine Condition, which is a notch above Fine.
• Very Fine Condition notes (20, 25, 30) show moderate wear.
• A score of 35 elevates the note to Choice Very Fine Condition.
• With a grade of 40, the bill is assessed as Extremely Fine.
• Choice Extremely Fine is a classification that corresponds to a grade of 45.
• The About Uncirculated category (50, 53, 55) suggests minimal handling.
• If the grade hits 58, it’s dubbed Choice About Uncirculated.
• Uncirculated notes (60, 61, 62) are virtually untouched.
• Grades 63 and 64 earn the bill a Choice Uncirculated designation.
• A leap to 65 or 66 confers the title of Gem Uncirculated.
• For those few near-perfect notes (67, 68, 69), the term is Superb Gem Uncirculated.
• The crown jewel of grades, 70, is uniquely termed PMG Star, indicating a flawless note.

In addition to this scale, PMG introduces a special distinction known as Exceptional Paper Quality (EPQ). This accolade is reserved for notes graded above 65 that possess a pristine quality rarely seen. Moreover, notes with grades ranging from 20 to 64 could also receive this special EPQ status, should their condition prove remarkably superior. On the flip side, the ‘net’ grade is assigned to authenticate a note as genuine, despite it having sustained damage.

To acquire these evaluations from PMG, expect fees that span from $22 to in excess of $300. Nonetheless, savvy collectors who submit in volume can unlock discounts, bringing the per-note fee down to a modest $14.

Imagine walking into an elite club where antique notes, much like vintage wines, are assessed for their worth and authenticity. The entrance fee? It can range from complimentary access to upscale services priced between $25 and $299. Dive deeper, and you’ll discover an organization known as PCGS, a premier institution in the realm of paper currency valuation.

Think of PCGS’s grading system as an elaborate dance with steps numbered from 1 to 70. While it shares some rhythmic similarities with the grading structure of PMG, they have their distinct spins. For instance, PCGS’s crowning jewel in grading is referred to as PPQ, whereas PMG might crown their top notes with the EPQ moniker.

PCGS’s Dance Steps to Paper Currency Grading:

• A Gentle Waltz (Good): Steps 4 and 6
• The Beginner’s Tango (Very Good): Steps 8 and 10
• Samba of Elegance (Fine): Steps 12 and 15
• Flamenco Flourish (Very Fine): Steps 20, 25, and 30
• Elite Waltz Twist (Choice Very Fine): Step 35
• The Polished Paso Doble (Extremely Fine): Step 40
• Master’s Paso Doble (Choice Extremely Fine): Step 45
• The Cha-Cha Charisma (About Uncirculated): Steps 50, 53, and 55
• Grand Cha-Cha (Choice About Uncirculated): Step 58
• Jive of Purity (Uncirculated): Steps 60 to 62
• Polished Jive Elegance (Choice Uncirculated): Steps 63 and 64
• The Ballroom Crown (PPQ Gem Uncirculated): Steps 65 and 66
• The Ultimate Dance Finale (PPQ Superb Gem Uncirculated): Steps 67 to 70

Wish to benefit from PCGS’s expert appraisal? Be ready to join their exclusive club, with memberships ranging from $69 to $249. The esteemed PPQ label, standing for a pristine quality, is reserved for notes dancing gracefully above the 65th step. However, special notes showcasing unparalleled grace even just past the Flamenco Flourish (step VF25) could also earn the prestigious PPQ badge. To ensure authenticity, only notes that have maintained their original grace without any touch-ups, repairs, or makeovers are awarded the PPQ. Notes that have faced the hardships of time but still hold genuineness are recognized with a special mention – they’re termed as having ‘details’.

Unveiling the Worth of a Dollar Bill from 1935

Imagine possessing a piece of history, a 1935 dollar bill. While a common, well-circulated 1935 dollar bill might only be equivalent to its face value today, the scenario changes dramatically when we talk about bills in exceptional condition. Some of these pristine specimens have been known to command prices upwards of a staggering $16,000 at auctions!

But that’s not all. There’s a unique subset of these bills known as ‘star’ or ‘replacement’ notes. Crafted to replace original bills that sustained damage during their creation, these rarities can be identified by a special symbol—an asterisk—positioned beside the serial number.

In addition, keen-eyed collectors would do well to notice a small detail: the presence of letters ranging from A to H which are used to categorize 1935 $1 notes. Moreover, a discerning eye may spot a red letter ‘R’ or ‘S’ on certain bills. These aren’t random markings; they signify something special. The ‘R’ denotes that the note was printed on the standard paper of its time, whereas the ‘S’ marks it as an experiment, printed on an alternative sheet.

So, do you have a 1935 dollar bill tucked away in your collection? We’d love to hear more about it in the comments below. Who knows, you might be holding onto a small fortune without even realizing it!