If you have a 1935 $1 Silver Certificate, the chances of getting more value than its face value are not very high.
The Silver Certificates mark a significant time for the U.S. Treasury in the 1800s. Since then, there have been billions of such certificates out there.
Such abundance makes it difficult to find rare gems. However, there are some exceptional cases where the value of 1935 $1 Silver Certificates can be worth more than $1,000.
This article outlines several cases where the silver certificates have fetched way more than their face value.
But before we discuss its value, let’s have a quick look at the brief history of Silver Certificates in the U.S.
Silver Certificates – Brief History
The Silver Certificates began to circulate as early as 1878 as a type of paper currency in the form of legal tenders issued by the U.S. government. The primary purpose of issuing the certificates was to ensure that people could hold on to paper currency instead of silver bullion and could redeem for the value of silver.
However, the certificates could no longer go through their objective by 1964 and were completely phased out. In 1964, the certificates lost their redeemability for silver dollars, and now they could only be redeemed for Federal Reserve Notes or cash.
Since then, collectors and currency enthusiasts have collected thousands of such certificates in the hope of getting more amount than face value.
Multiple types of Silver Certificates have been issued throughout the period. For instance, initially, only larger-size notes were issued, which were later converted into smaller-size notes (6.4 inches by 2.6 inches).
The small-size notes were primarily for smaller denominations, although the $1, $2, and $5 denominations were initially printed on large-size notes until 1928. Similarly, the 1935 $1 series of Silver Certificates is one of the most popular series among all the year series.
1935 was also when Adolf Hitler became Chancellor of Germany, and dark clouds loomed throughout the decade until World War II. Therefore, the 1935 silver certificates had also seen the era of world war in the U.S. and abroad.
The table below shows the total number of Silver Certificates issued according to different denominations.
| Denominations | Mintage |
| $1 | 38,549,291,941 |
| $2 | 601,359,000 |
| $5 | 3,423,174,170 |
| $10 | 230,688,170 |
| Source | |
Although the first issue of the series in 1878 and 1880 did not include denominations less than $10, these were included no later than the second issue of the series in 1886 and 1891 and then modified in 1908. Therefore, we see denominations of $1 to $10,000 from the second issue of Silver Certificates.
Another series of Silver Certificates were issued in 1896 as the “most beautiful U.S. paper currency ever issued” and was known as the Educational Series of 1896. The series only included denominations in numbers of $1, $2, and $5.
Moreover, the 1899 and 1923 are also important series for Silver Certificates. The table below summarizes all the series of Silver Certificates issued in accordance with denominations.
| Year Series | Denominations |
| 1. 1878, 1880 | $10 – $10,000 |
| 2. 1886, 1891, 1908 | $1 – $10,000 |
| 3. 1896 | $1, $2, and $5 |
| 4. 1899 | $1, $2, and $5 |
| 5. 1923 | $1 and $5 |
| 6. 1928 | $1 |
| 7. 1934 | $1 |
| 8. 1935 | $1 |
| 9. 1953 | $1 |
| 10. 1957 | $1 |
| Source | |
What is a 1935 $1 Silver Certificate Worth?
It is important to note that the certificate’s value does not necessarily correlate to its denomination (or size).
1935 $1 Silver Certificates can vary in value depending on factors such as overall condition and year issued. Since it is impossible to redeem it for silver, it has become a collector’s item.
Among collectors and currency enthusiasts, errors, misprints, fancy serial numbers, and other distinguishing marks are considered rare and extremely valuable.
1935 Washington $1 Silver Certificate Value Chart
1935 $1 Silver Certificates can, generally, be valued between $3 and $300. Although several factors can increase the value of your 1935 Silver Certificate exponentially, many might not be of much value other than the face value.
Still, some unique characteristics and features can make 1935 Silver Certificates worth more than $1,000. Before we find out more about the most valuable $1 Silver Certificate, let’s quickly look at what it would be worth usually.
The table below shows how much is a regular 1935 Washington $1 Silver Certificate worth in various conditions. The highest grade (MS-68) can be worth more than $300. Moreover, the table also shows how much a star note would be worth according to various grades.
Star notes in good condition are more valuable than regular notes, and some might even get you an amount close to $15,000.
| 1935 Washington $1 Silver Certificate – Value Chart | ||
| Regular | Star Note | |
| Circulated | $3 | $10 |
| Uncirculated | $30 | $50 |
| Grade 66 | $50 | $300 |
| Grade 67 | $200 | $800 |
| Grade 68 | $300 | Rare |
| Source | ||
However, many factors besides good grades and star notes can inflate your note’s value.
For instance, the overall rarity of the note would make it more valuable to collectors. Series issued only in thousands of volumes make it more valuable. In other cases, an uncirculated pack of 100 notes is worth more than $1,000.
Moreover, fancy serial numbers, including radar and low serial numbers notes, are extremely rare and valuable. For example, a 1935 $1 Silver Certificate with a low serial number (00000001) and an MS-64 grade was sold for $6,900.
Some errors and misprints can also make 1935 Silver Certificates worthy of collecting. For instance, a 1935 $1 Silver Certificate with additional overprint and a BEP rejection mark was sold for $8,225.
Some errors can be quite visible, while others can be hard to find but still valuable. For instance, a 1935-F $1 Silver Certificate with an inverted “M” instead of “W” at the start of the serial number was sold for $705. The difference is so tiny that it is only observed while inspecting closely. Upon close observation, you can see how the edges of the letter “W” seem straighter and missing an angle. It looks like “M” was inserted to make for “W”.
The table below summarizes the most valuable errors and serial numbers in 1935 $1 Silver Certificates.
1935 $1 Washington Silver Certificates – Most Valuable Errors and Serial Numbers |
| 1. 1935 Washington $1 Silver Certificate ($3,000) – PCGS 67 PPQ Star Note |
| 2. 1935 Washington $1 Silver Certificate ($4,025) – Crisp Uncirculated Pack of 100 Notes |
| 3. 1935-E Washington $1 Silver Certificate ($865) – Crisp Uncirculated Pack of 100 Notes |
| 4. 1935 Washington $1 Silver Certificate ($8,225) – PCGS 64 Additional Overprint and BEP Rejection Mark |
| 5. 1935 Washington $1 Silver Certificate ($470) – PMG 58 PPQ Obstructed Overprint and BEP Rejection Mark with Sticker |
| 6. 1935 Washington $1 Silver Certificate ($95) – PCGS 50 PPQ Printed Foldover |
| 7. 1935-D Washington $1 Narrow Silver Certificate ($470) – PMG 50 Misalignment Error |
| 8. 1935-E Washington $1 Silver Certificate ($5,640) – PMG 35 Doubled Offset Printing of Front to Back |
| 9. 1935-E Washington $1 Silver Certificate ($5,520) – PMG 63 EPQ Incorrect Serial Number Cancelled |
| 10. 1935-F Washington $1 Silver Certificate ($705) – PMG 15 Inverted “M” in Prefix |
| 11. 1935-G Washington $1 Silver Certificate ($360) – PMG 20 Inverted Star |
| 12. 1935-G Washington $1 Silver Certificate ($40) – PMG AU Misalignment Error |
| 13. 1935-A Washington $1 Silver Certificate ($3,360) – PMG 40 Fancy Serial Number (All 9s) |
| 14. 1935-E Washington $1 Silver Certificate ($190) – Uncirculated Fancy Serial Number (All 9s) |
| 15. 1935-E Washington $1 Silver Certificate ($4,700) – OMG 64 EPQ Fancy Serial Number (All 9s) |
| 16. 1935-E Washington $1 Silver Certificate ($335) – PMG 65 EPQ Fancy Serial Number (0s and 2s) |
| 17. 1935-E Washington $1 Silver Certificate ($170) – Crisp Uncirculated Fancy Serial Number (Radar) |
| 18. 1935-D Washington $1 Silver Certificate ($65) – PMG 64 EPQ Fancy Serial Number (Repeater) |
| 19. 1935-F Washington $1 Silver Certificate ($100) – PCGS 64 Fancy Serial Number Star Note |
| 20. 1935 Washington $1 Silver Certificate ($550) – PCGS 64 EPQ Low Serial Number Star Note |
| 21. 1935-B Washington $1 Silver Certificate ($4,500) – Crisp Uncirculated Fancy Serial Number (100 Consecutive Low) |
| 22. 1935 Washington $1 Silver Certificate ($6,900) – PCGS 64 PPQ Low Serial Number (01) |
| Source |
1935-A $1 Silver Certificates – Special Cases
1935-A Washington $1 Silver Certificate – HAWAII
The 1935-A Silver Certificate with “HAWAII” printed in black on both sides of the note. Larger text size for the word can be seen printed in landscape on the reverse side.
The notes were mainly printed and issued for use in Hawaii as there was apprehension of Japan taking over after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Although, later on, the notes were cancelled, the overall look is quite fascinating.
The note includes a brown seal and serial numbers, and Hawaii is printed two times on each side of the obverse.
Generally, a Hawaii Note in circulated condition can be worth $15. However, an uncirculated note can fetch more than $100. A note in excellent condition can be worth as much as $2,000 for uncirculated (MS-63).
An important thing to look for in a 1935-A Silver Certificate is the rare block. A serial number accompanied by the same alphabet on either side can be worth much more than its face value. More particularly, blocks of letters ‘A’ and ‘Z’ would be worth a fortune. Depending on the condition and rarity, you can quickly get between $100 and $1,000 for such notes.
1935-A Washington $1 Silver Certificate – North Africa
The 1935-A North Africa Silver Certificate was issued for use in the country during the Allied invasion. The note includes Julian-Morgenthau signatures and bears a yellow seal and blue serial numbers.
Although the World War II Note was cancelled, it became a rare gem for collectors. You can get the note in circulated condition for $25, while an uncirculated note can be worth $150.
Moreover, star notes are pretty valuable for the North African Silver Certificate because only 144,000 were made and can get you a good amount between $150 and $1,000. Also, some rare blocks can be valuable for collectors. For instance, the FC-block can be helpful if you want a reasonable amount for rare collectables.
Graded 1935-A Washington Silver Certificates for North Africa can also fetch you a price of about $285 if available in uncirculated condition with an MS-63 grade.
Interestingly, a 1935 $1 North African Silver Certificate graded MS-64 is available at a whopping price of $2,149.95. The note is a star note with a yellow seal and blue serial numbers. Furthermore, you can also review multiple cases where the note is sold for around $300.
1935-A Washington $1 Silver Certificate – “R” and “S” Notes
The U.S. government decided to upgrade its currency paper to something more durable in the 1930s. Therefore, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing issued nearly 1.2 million 1935-A $1 Silver Certificates on a special paper.
The new and refined paper was washed with chemicals, and the note appeared with an “S” marked on its obverse – meaning special; while other notes were marked with “R” – meaning regular.
The whole exercise aimed to identify how durable the special note was. Although the study couldn’t bear any conclusive results, the notes became a rarity among collectors who took them out of circulation.
You can get a test set with two notes – bearing marks “R” and “S” – for about $458 in good condition.
Moreover, you can also get the special sets in circulated condition for about $40 and in uncirculated condition for about $250.
However, star notes in this series are extremely rare, as only 12,000 were issued. An uncirculated star note can reach as much as $15,000 in value.
FAQs
How much is a 1935 Silver Certificate Worth?
A 1935 Silver Certificate is worth only up to its face value– $1—if available in circulated condition. In some cases, it can be worth more than $300. For instance, a 1935 $1 Silver Certificate in uncirculated condition with an MS68 grade is valued at $300.
Moreover, in rare instances, the silver certificate can fetch you around $15,000. For example, an R-S 1935 $1 Silver Certificate sold for $15,000. However, such cases are extremely rare.
Similarly, some Silver Certificates with errors and fancy serial numbers are easily worth more than $1,000.
What are some different seal colors on the 1935 $1 Silver Certificate?
Primarily, 1935 $1 Silver Certificates have been issued in three colors—blue, brown, and yellow. Each color is made for a specific function and place of use for the currency.
Yellow seal color in 1935 $1 Silver Certificates was issued for use in North Africa during the Second World War. The brown color seal was introduced for Hawaii only, and the certificates’ obverse and reverse clearly show black markings of the word “HAWAII”. And the blue seal was used for the regular silver certificates.
Moreover, the 1935 $1 Silver Certificates were issued from series A through H. The certificates are in abundance. Therefore, only a few rare cases can be worth more than $100. And the presence of a different color seal can be one of the rare cases.
How can I find the value of the 1935 $1 Silver Certificate?
We always recommend that our readers get their Silver Certificates appraised by multiple collectors to have a rough idea of the price range.
Moreover, we also recommend you take the help of a specialist or an experienced friend before making any decision.
Generally, a good quality silver certificate can be worth more than its face value if it belongs to a particular series. For instance, Silver Certificates with grades above MS-64 are highly valuable.
Furthermore, you can also try to find the earliest silver certificates. For instance, silver certificates issued in 1878 can be pretty valuable.
A fancy serial number would also ensure that you get a good value for your 1935 Silver Certificate. For example, serial numbers in single digits are rare- therefore, worth more than face value.
Conclusion
1935 Silver Certificates are pretty common to come by. Therefore, there aren’t high chances of getting Silver Certificates worth more than $1.
However, we have outlined various cases for 1935 $1 Silver Certificates worth more than $300 and up to $15,000.
Generally, 1935 Silver Certificates with fancy serial numbers, unique markings, and errors can be expensive.
If you find a 1935 $1 Silver Certificate, get it appraised. Who knows, you might get lucky and get yourself a rare and valuable Silver Certificate.
