1 dollar 1923
About This Note
This is a Series of 1923 United States $1 Silver Certificate in AU condition, featuring George Washington in formal three-quarter profile on the obverse. The note displays the characteristic cream and black coloring of early Silver Certificates with blue security seals and serial numbers. Despite approximately 100 years of age, the note remains well-preserved with only age-appropriate foxing and patina, making it an attractive example of early 20th-century U.S. currency design.
Common. Series of 1923 Silver Certificates with standard signatures and serial numbers had substantial print runs. While all circulated notes from this era are now over 100 years old, they were produced in quantities sufficient to make them readily available to collectors today. The AU condition grade and lack of any exceptional signature, printing error, or serial number variety indicate this is a standard example of the series.
Issued in 1923 during the post-World War I era, this Silver Certificate represents the U.S. Government's commitment to backing paper currency with precious metal reserves. The certificate text 'ONE SILVER DOLLAR' and the phrase 'PAYABLE TO THE BEARER ON DEMAND' reflect the gold/silver standard monetary system that governed U.S. currency until the 1930s. The formal portrait of Washington and elaborate security features demonstrate the government's efforts to prevent counterfeiting during this period of economic growth and increasing commercial activity.
The obverse features a formal portrait of George Washington depicted in three-quarter profile within an oval frame, styled in period-appropriate formal attire with a high collar characteristic of early 20th-century portraiture. The left side displays an ornate circular Treasury Seal with intricate patterns. Large decorative numerals '1' occupy the top-left and bottom-right corners with elaborate scrollwork and flourishes throughout. The reverse presents a symmetrical design with large ornamental '1' denominations in all four corners, centered around an elaborate decorative cartouche containing 'THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' and 'ONE DOLLAR' in an ornamental frame, with additional scrollwork and classical architectural flourishes typical of Series of 1923 design.
Front Side: 'THIS CERTIFIES THAT THERE HAS BEEN DEPOSITED IN THE TREASURY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ONE SILVER DOLLAR PAYABLE TO THE BEARER ON DEMAND' - This certifies that equivalent silver bullion has been deposited and the bearer can demand payment. 'SERIES OF 1923' - Indicates the design series year. 'WASHINGTON, D.C.' - Location of the Treasury. Serial number: B39382049E. Signature: Frank Burke. Back Side: 'THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ONE DOLLAR' - Repeated denomination and issuer identification across the ornamental reverse design.
This note was produced using intaglio (engraved line) printing, the standard method for U.S. currency security. The fine line engraving is evident throughout the design in the portrait detailing, intricate border patterns, ornamental numerals, and security seal. Black ink was used for primary design elements on the obverse, with blue ink applied for the Treasury Seal and serial numbers. The reverse employs green ink for its design elements. Multiple passes through the printing press created the layered security features and complex scrollwork visible in both visual analyses.
Serial number B39382049E with signature of Frank Burke (Treasurer signature area). The Series of 1923 was issued with multiple signature combinations; the Frank Burke signature variant appears on notes issued during his tenure. No printing errors, overprints, or unusual serial number characteristics are evident that would constitute a recognized variety.
