United States 1 Dollar – 1981 Issue | Currency of Continuity and Global Recognition Pick# 451 | Numista# 201805
The 1981 $1 Federal Reserve Note represents a stable and enduring chapter in American currency design. Issued during the Reagan administration, this note continues the long-standing format introduced in 1963, featuring George Washington’s portrait and the iconic Great Seal of the United States. While visually unchanged from earlier issues, the 1981 series reflects the institutional continuity of the Federal Reserve System and the global trust placed in the U.S. dollar as a reserve currency.
This note was printed across multiple Federal Reserve districts, with star note variants issued to replace defective sheets. Though common in circulation, well-preserved examples and notes with fancy serial numbers or rare district codes are prized by collectors for their historical and monetary significance.
Key Features:
Obverse Design: Portrait of George Washington at center, framed by ornate scrollwork. Text includes “FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE,” “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and “ONE DOLLAR.” District seal and serial number vary by issuing Federal Reserve Bank.
Reverse Design: Features the Great Seal of the United States—an eagle with shield, olive branch, and arrows—alongside the Eye of Providence above an unfinished pyramid. These symbols reflect national unity, vigilance, and foundational ideals.
Watermark: None (standard for pre-1990s U.S. notes)
Security Features: No embedded thread or watermark; relies on fine-line engraving and serial tracking
Printer: Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Washington D.C.
Dimensions: 156 × 66 mm
Material: Cotton-linen blend
Date of Issue: 1981
Catalog References: Pick# 451, Numista# 201805
While the design remained unchanged for decades, the 1981 $1 note is part of a lineage that shaped global commerce and domestic confidence. Its symbolism, durability, and widespread use make it a foundational piece for collectors of modern U.S. currency and international monetary history.
