1 dollar 1917

Common. The 1917 Series One Dollar United States Note was produced in substantial quantities and remains readily available to collectors today. While this particular note's uncirculated condition is desirable, the Pick P-187 designation itself does not indicate a scarce or rare variety. Serial number N6160699A does not correspond to any known low-number or special printing variation that would elevate rarity.

This 1917 Series note was issued during World War I, a period of significant economic activity and currency demand in the United States. The classical iconography—including the robed figures in the left engraved scene and the prominent eagle emblem on the reverse—reflects the artistic standards and nationalist symbolism of the era. The legal tender declaration and counterfeiting warnings on the reverse demonstrate the government's efforts to maintain currency security during a time of wartime inflation and economic uncertainty.

The obverse (front) features a central oval portrait of a bald man in formal late 19th-century attire with coat and cravat, positioned prominently in the note's center. To the left is an elaborate classical interior scene depicting multiple robed figures in formal poses, likely representing allegorical or historical themes related to American governance. Two ornamental red Treasury Department seals with shield designs and rosette flourishes flank the composition, with red serial numbers providing individual note identification. The reverse displays an impressive ornamental design centered on a large eagle emblem within a medallion, surrounded by decorative scrollwork and shield designs with stars. The design employs intricate border patterns with repeating floral and scroll elements throughout, exemplifying the high-quality engraving standards of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

Front Side: 'THIS NOTE IS A LEGAL TENDER FOR ONE DOLLAR' (top center); 'SERIES OF 1917' (series designation); 'UNITED STATES NOTE' (note type); 'Washington, D.C.' (issuing location); 'ONE' and 'DOLLAR' (denomination); Serial number: N6160699A with district letter D; Signatures of Speelman and Frank White (Treasury officials). Back Side: 'ONE DOLLAR' (four corners, denomination); 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' (center); 'SERIES OF 1917' (series); 'THIS NOTE IS A LEGAL DEMAND FOR VALUE AND REPRESENTS ALL DUTIES ON IMPORTS AND INTEREST IN THE PUBLIC DEBT' (legal declaration); 'COUNTERFEITING calling this Note or passing any counterfeit of it or having in possession any paper made in imitation of the Paper on which this Note is printed is felony and is punishable by Seventeen Years imprisonment at hard Labor or both' (anti-counterfeiting warning); 'UNITED STATES BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING' (printer attribution).

This note was produced using the intaglio engraving method, the standard printing technique for U.S. currency during this period. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing executed the design with fine line work visible in the detailed borders, scrollwork, and portrait rendering. Red and green inks were applied separately to create the security coloring—red for the Treasury seals and serial numbers on the obverse, and green for the reverse design. The complexity and precision of the engraved lines would have required multiple printing passes and careful registration to achieve the sharp impressions evident in this specimen.

This example is identified as Series of 1917 with signatures of Speelman and Frank White, both standard signatories for this series. The district letter 'D' on the serial number indicates issue from the Federal Reserve District of Cleveland. No overprints or special markings are evident. This note represents the standard variety for Pick P-187 without distinguishing characteristics that would identify it as a sought-after sub-variety.