United States 1 Dollar Silver Certificate – George Washington & Blue Seal (1935 Series) Pick# 416 | Numista# 201
Issued in 1935 by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the $1 Silver Certificate represents a pivotal era in American currency history. Unlike Federal Reserve Notes, Silver Certificates were backed by silver held in the U.S. Treasury and could be exchanged for silver dollars until redemption ended in 1968. The 1935 series is notable for its clean design, absence of a motto, and widespread circulation during the Great Depression and World War II.
Design Highlights
Obverse: Features the portrait of George Washington, based on Gilbert Stuart’s painting. The note includes a blue Treasury seal, blue serial numbers, and the inscriptions “SILVER CERTIFICATE” and “ONE DOLLAR.” Signatures vary by sub-series, with the original 1935 notes signed by Treasurer W.A. Julian and Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau Jr.
Reverse: Displays the denomination “ONE” in large, bold letters surrounded by intricate scrollwork. The design is symmetrical and lacks the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” which was not added until the 1957 series.
Color Scheme: Blue and black ink on off-white cotton-linen paper, distinguishing it from green-seal Federal Reserve Notes.
Key Specifications
Feature Description
Country United States
Issuer U.S. Treasury (Silver Certificate)
Series 1935
Pick Number P# 416
Denomination 1 Dollar
Size 156 × 66 mm
Material Cotton-linen blend
Watermark None
Security Features Security fibers
Printer Bureau of Engraving and Printing
Seal Color Blue
Serial Format Alphanumeric with optional star suffix (★)
Collectible Varieties
Star Notes: Replacement notes marked with a ★ at the end of the serial number. These are scarcer and can command $10–30 USD depending on condition and issuing district.
Sub-Series Variants: Includes 1935A through 1935H, each with different signatures and minor design changes. Some, like the 1935A “R” and “S” experimental notes, are highly collectible.
Why Collect This Note
The 1935 $1 Silver Certificate offers collectors:
A tangible link to the silver-backed currency era
A Depression-era and WWII-era historical artifact
A clean, minimalist design distinct from later notes
Whether you're building a type set or exploring the evolution of U.S. currency, this note is a foundational piece with enduring appeal.
