1935 Silver Certificate Value (All Series, A Through H)
Most 1935 $1 silver certificates are worth $1.50–$4 circulated and $10–$65 uncirculated. But the 1935 family hides several genuinely valuable varieties — WWII emergency notes and experimental issues worth up to $850. Check yours against the tables below before assuming it's common.
Regular series values by grade
| Series | Circulated (F–VF) | XF–AU | UNC | Gem UNC65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1935 (no letter) | $2–$3 | $5–$8 | $20 | $55 |
| 1935A | $2 | $3–$5 | $10 | $30 |
| 1935B | $2–$4 | $5–$9 | $22 | $65 |
| 1935C | $2 | $4–$7 | $15 | $45 |
| 1935D (wide/narrow back) | $2 | $4–$7 | $14 | $40 |
| 1935E | $2 | $3–$6 | $10 | $28 |
| 1935F | $2 | $3–$6 | $11 | $30 |
| 1935G (no motto) | $2–$3 | $4–$7 | $12 | $32 |
| 1935G (with motto) | $3–$5 | $9–$20 | $50 | $150 |
| 1935H | $2 | $4–$7 | $11 | $30 |
The series letter is printed to the right of the date. 1935G comes in two versions — check the back for 'IN GOD WE TRUST': the with-motto version is several times more valuable.
The valuable ones: WWII emergency notes
During World War II the US issued special silver certificates for regions that might fall to enemy forces — so the currency could be demonetized if captured. These are the stars of the 1935 family:
| Variety | How to spot it | Circulated | UNC | Gem |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1935A HAWAII (brown seal) | Brown seal + HAWAII overprinted on both sides | $18–$50 | $275 | $700 |
| 1935A North Africa (yellow seal) | Yellow seal instead of blue | $15–$50 | $250 | $700 |
The sleepers: experimental R and S notes
In 1944 the Treasury tested a new paper formula. Notes printed with a red R (regular paper) or S (special paper) next to the seal are scarce experimentals:
| Variety | Circulated (F–VF) | XF–AU | UNC | Gem |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1935A 'R' Experimental | $75–$120 | $170–$250 | $350 | $850 |
| 1935A 'S' Experimental | $70–$110 | $155–$230 | $320 | $780 |
Counterfeit R/S overprints exist — the letter should match the red of the serial numbers. Authentication matters at these prices.
Why 1935 notes are usually common
The 1935 design was printed for over twenty years (into the early 1960s) with only letter changes. Billions entered circulation and countless were saved as 'old money.' That's why a worn example brings only a small premium — and why the varieties above, printed in far smaller numbers, are where the value hides.
Frequently asked questions
What does the letter after 1935 mean?
Each letter (A–H) marks a change of Treasury officials' signatures, not a new design. The letter matters for value mainly at the extremes — 1935 no-letter and 1935G with-motto are the better regular series.
My 1935 note has a blue seal — is that special?
All regular silver certificates have blue seals. The special ones are brown (HAWAII) and yellow (North Africa) seals from WWII.
Is a 1935 star note valuable?
Earlier stars (1935, 1935A) carry better premiums than late-series stars — a circulated early star might bring $5–$15, uncirculated ones $30+. Condition decides.
Where is the serial number pattern worth money?
Solid, ladder, radar, repeater and low serials add value on any series — sometimes hundreds of dollars on an otherwise common note. See our fancy serial guide.
How can I identify my exact variety?
Scan it with the Note ID app — it reads the series, seal color and serial number from a photo, flags the valuable varieties automatically, and shows recent eBay sold prices for that exact note.
Not sure what you have?
Scan any US coin or bill with your camera — Note ID identifies it and flags star notes, fancy serials, and key dates for free.
Download Note ID FreeRelated guides
1957 Silver Certificate Value
The other common blue seal $1 — what it's actually worth.
Star Note Value Guide
How replacement notes work and which stars are actually rare.
Fancy Serial Numbers Explained
The serial patterns that turn a $2 note into a $200 note.
Values on this page are estimates for typical examples and are not an appraisal. Real-world prices depend on condition, third-party grading, and current demand — always check recent eBay sold listings (the Note ID app does this for you) before buying or selling.