Old Silver Dollar Certificates
Silver’s importance became apparent with the development of the Comstock lode and other deposits. This happened as Congress looked for ways to grow the monetary base. The U.S. went from producing less than 1% of the world’s silver to nearly 20% by the 1860s and 40% by the 1870s.
The Bland-Allison Act reintroduced free coinage for silver. It also required the government to purchase and coin into dollars between $2 million and $4 million worth of silver each month, though not more than $2 million per month was ever purchased.
Although the certificates no longer can be exchanged for silver coins, the historical significance in the printings resides in the economic impact the certificates held, as well as the certificateâs short-term status as valid legal tender.
Understanding Silver Certificate Dollar Bills
It was for this reason that provisions in the Coinage Act of 1873 went little noticed. The act ended free coinage for silver, effectively ending bimetallism and placing the United States on the gold standard. Though silver coins could still be used as legal tender, few were in circulation.
The U.S. government began issuing certificates in 1878 under the Bland-Allison Act. Under the act, people could deposit silver coins at the U.S. Treasury in exchange for certificates, which were easier to carry. This representative money could also be redeemed for silver equal to the certificateâs face value. In the past, other countries like China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ethiopia, Morocco, Panama, and the Netherlands have issued silver certificates.
Congress adopted a bimetallic standard of money in 1792, making gold and silver the mediums of exchange. Under a free coinage policy, raw gold or silver could be taken to the U.S. mint and converted into coins. However, few silver coins were minted between 1793 and 1873, as the raw silver required to make a coin was worth more than their gold dollar and greenback counterparts.
A year later, Section 3568 of the Revised Statutes further diminished silver’s status by prohibiting the use of silver coins as legal tender for amounts exceeding five dollars.
Other Features Of The 1957 Silver Certificate Dollar Bill
The Bureau printed this dollar bill type from 1878 to 1964. Your rectangular banknote weighs precisely 0.03527 ounces . Its dimensions include a width of 6.14062 inches and a height of 2.60937 inches . Each contains a few typical characteristics, including:
Seals
The 1957 silver certificate dollar bill contains a blue seal on the right with overprinted Washington DC. Banknotes printed in the mid-50s still didnt have a black Federal Reserve bank seal on the left side, but you can see the number 1 instead.
Serial number
A standard 1957 silver certificate dollar bill has a serial number printed twice on the front page. You can see eight digits between two letters, but sometimes a star replaces one letter. It happens when something goes wrong during printing, and the star is a sign of replacement.
It is necessary because producing two identical banknotes with the same number is illegal. The law is strict, and there is no matter who would do it, counterfeiters or the US Bureau of engraving and printing.
In rare cases, one number can be different in the line because of an altered digit that occurs during the procedure. However, it is pretty rare since the control is strict and thorough.
Signature
Like other American banknotes, $1-dollar bills from the 1957 series have two signatures on the front page. This particular year, those signatures belong to the following:
1957 series
- Treasury Secretary Clarence Douglas Dillon
- Treasurer Kathryn Elizabeth Granahan
Printing
Paper
Also Check: How To Get My Son’s Birth Certificate
One Dollar Silver Certificate
The 1957 one dollar silver certificate is common so it’s not worth much money. Billions of them were printed and you can even find some in circulation today. They have a similiar look to the 1935 one dollar silver certificate bills. There is nothing really noteworthy or special about these blue seal notes, and they resemble the modern one dollar bills.
There are three different series: 1957, 1957A, and 1957B. Each series is equally common as there are no rare varieties.
Specifications
Blue |
What Is A Silver Certificate Dollar Bill Worth Today

A silver certificate dollar bill represents a unique time in American history. It was a type of legal tender that was issued by the federal government in the late 1800s. As the name suggests, the holder of a certificate could redeem it for a certain amount of silver. One certificate allowed investors to hold silver without having to buy the precious metal itself.
These certificates no longer carry monetary value as an exchange for silver, yet they are still legal tender at their face value. In the market, silver certificates are often worth more than their face value as collectors still seek out these prints. Their history dates to the 1860s, when the United States rapidly developed into one of the top producers of silver in the world. This ushered in a new monetary structure in the U.S., of which the silver certificate is a unique historical artifact. In this article, we look at the history of this form of currency and how much they’re worth today.
Read Also: Are Death Certificate Public Record
How Much Is A Silver Certificate Dollar Bill Worth With Blue Seal 1957
How much is a silver certificate dollar bill worth with blue seal 1957
The 1957 note without the series letter A or B at the serial numbers are considered common among collectors. The value of the 1957 note is its face value if circulated and a little higher if uncirculated. If there is a coin shop near your place, you can ask them to check your note for condition and value.
I have 1.00 silver cerificates w/o a or b on them and a couple of them have stars before the serial number
Hi lyn, the A and B is the series. If you have 1957 $1 silver certificates, the worth is $5.50 in mint and $1.80 in good circulated condition. The star sign adds a little premium to its value but it depends on what series and year of the note. What silver certificates do you have?
I like to to know how much is the value of this dollar
Please read this
CatherineM. wrote:
The 1957 note without the series letter A or B at the serial numbers are considered common among collectors. The value of the 1957 note is its face value if circulated and a little higher if uncirculated. If there is a coin shop near your place, you can ask them to check your note for condition and value.
I like to to know how much is the value of this dollar
How much are they worth
Hello Greg
Can you please get in touch with another member here who specializes in these. Here is a link to his contact page.
A $1 Silver Certificate Star Note
$1 Series 1957A Star Note
Type a name for your new list.
When a currency note is deemed imperfect in its manufacture, it is replaced with a Star Note which bears a star before or after the serial number. Star Notes are scarcer than regular issues, as only a limited number are produced and fewer still are placed in circulation. This Star Note version of the Series 1957A $1 Silver Certificate bears a blue seal and serial numbers, and Smith-Dillon signatures. Silver Certificates, and in particular Star Note issues, are among the most sought-after U.S. currency notes.
- Product Type:Single Products
You May Like: What Certifications Should I Get
How Much Is A 1957 $1 Blue Note Worth
How much is a 1957 silver dollar worth?
1957 $1 silver certificates are very very common. Worth $1.50 in average circulated condition. There is just nothing special about these. 1957 $1 silver certificates were printed by the billions and there are way too many still in existence to be rare. These come in three different types.
What are the different types of 1957 silver certificates?
There is just nothing special about these. 1957 $1 silver certificates were printed by the billions and there are way too many still in existence to be rare. These come in three different types. There are series 1957, 1957A, and 1957B. They are all equally common and none of them command premiums.
What Are 1957 $1 Silver Certificates Worth
The obverse of a Series 1957 $1 Silver Certificate. Image is courtesy of Heritage Auctions, www.HA.com. Click image to enlarge.
The reverse of a Series 1957 $1 Silver Certificate. Image is courtesy of Heritage Auctions, www.HA.com. Click image to enlarge.
Did you find a Series 1957 $1 Silver Certificate Dollar Bill and want to know what its worth? First off, congratulations, because such old banknotes hardly ever turn up in circulation these days. And if you found that old 1957 Dollar Bill in an odd place, such as an old chest of drawers, a steamer, or perhaps received it as part of an inheritance, youve still scored a pretty neat find. But whats the real value of a banknote like that? Lets examine the history and collectible value of these notes, including how much your 1957 $1 Silver Certificate might be worth.
Don’t Miss: Fafsa Approved Online Certificate Programs
Return Policy & Order Cancelations
Due to COVID-19 return processing times are taking longer than normal. Please allow us 14-21 days to process your return before contacting customer support regarding the status of your return. Thank you for your patience.
IMPORTANT: With limited exceptions, returns are refunded to customer by store credit redeemable on franklinmint.com and customer is responsible for return shipping charges.
Please know that we understand that choosing the right décor for your home/office can be a tedious process. We want you to feel confident in your purchase. This is why we are more than happy to assist you with finding the right choice. If its not the right fit, well help you get there.
You can return most items for a store credit within 30 days of delivery. Unless noted below, outbound shipping charges are non-refundable and you will be responsible for all return shipping costs.
Clearance merchandise and any items marked Final Sale cannot be returned. Other nonreturnable merchandise includes clearance items, personalized items, bundled items at discount rates , items marked nonreturnable at the checkout or within the product description page, and products that have been assembled
If there is a mistake with your order, or items arrive defective/damages at the time of receipt, we will take care of it and work with you to find the best solution as further described below.
Returns/Exchanges
Defective Product and Returns due to Our Error
Order Cancellations
The Front Page Of The 1957 Silver Certificate Dollar Bill
Image: pcgs
The 1957 silver certificate dollar bill contains centrally positioned George Washingtons portrait, as it has been customary since 1869. The difference is in the side he is facing, and bunches of bay laurel leaves surrounding the oval. Each banknote also includes two signatures and the serial number printed on both sides.
You can see the number 1 on the left and the blue seal with overprinted WASHINGTON, DC, on the right side. The name THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is written above the portrait, while the bottom is reserved for the denomination ONE DOLLAR and a note that you can exchange the banknote for silver.
Don’t Miss: Google It Support Professional Certificate Salary
Valuation Of Silver Dollar Certificates
The most common silver certificates were issued between 1935 and 1957. Their design is nearly identical to a standard U.S. dollar bill featuring George Washington. The key difference is the text below Washingtonâs portrait, which states the tender is valued at one dollar in silver payable to the bearer on demand. These certificates fetch slightly more than face value, though uncirculated notes typically sell for $2 to $4.
In 1896, the silver dollar certificate carried a unique design that is known as the educational series. The face of the certificate depicts a woman instructing a young boy. The asking price for a Series 1896 $1 Silver Certificate Educational note is more than $500 for a print in good condition, while a “very choice uncirculated note 64” commands more than $4,000.
The 1899 print is another popular certificate among collectors. The note is often referred to as the Black Eagle because of the large eagle on its face. Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses Grantelow are found below the eagle. The asking price for an 1899 Black Eagle $1 Silver Banknote Certificate in very good condition is just above $110, while a note in “gem uncirculated premium” condition fetches just above $1,300.
Alternatively, the 1934 silver certificate is considered common, even though it is the only year to have a blue âoneâ printed on its face. A 1934 certificate in very fine condition is worth around $30.
Silver Certificate Value Today

The value of a silver dollar certificate is contingent on the condition and year issued. Although it is no longer possible to redeem a silver dollar certificate for silver, certificates are still technically legal tender. This means they can be exchanged for a Federal Reserve note.
Still, the actual value of a silver certificate is in its collectability. The certificates have become a collectors’ item, and collectors of the certificates pay greater-than-face value, depending on the rarity of the print.
Don’t Miss: How Do I Replace My Birth Certificate
Series Of 1957 $1 Silver Certificate Star Notes Values And Pricing
Star notes from the series of 1957 are very very common. In average condition they sell for about $3 each. For the sake of this article, when referring to a 1957 one dollar silver certificate, that also includes 1957A and 1957B. They are all the same. None of them are more valuable than others.
If you had a run of consecutive choice uncirculated 1957 star notes, they would still only be worth about ten dollars each. These one dollar silver certificate stars are just too plentiful to ever be worth very much money.
1957 star notes have a serial number that starts with a blue star with a hole in it, followed by 8 numbers, then a letter. They feature George Washington and a blue seal.
We do not buy 1957 $1 silver certificate star notes, unless you have a large run of uncirculated stars. Unfortunately they just arent collectible and we dont have a market for them if they are circulated. However, we would be happy to purchase 1957 silver certificate stars if they are part of a larger collection.
Whatis A Silver Certificate
SilverCertificates are United States Currency authorized by Actsof Congress, Feb. 28, 1878 and issued through 1964. Large size SilverCertificates wereissued through 1929 and then the currency changed to small or modern size as all US Currency is today. SilverCertificates all have distinguishing blue seals. Silver Certificates couldbe exchanged for silver dollars or silver bullion. TheSilver Law of 1963 changed this, dis-continuing redemption for silverdollars in 1964 then silver bullion in 1968 . Small size Silver Certificates havebeen issued in $1, $5, and $10 denominations.
Small size $1 SilverCertificates were printed in multiple series: 1928, 1928 Athrough E, 1934, 1935, 1935 A through H, 1957, 1957 A and B. $5Silver Certificateswerealso printed in multiple series: 1934, 1934 A through D, 1953, 1953 Athrough C. $10 SilverCertificates were printed in multiple series as well: 1933, 1933 A, 1934, 1934 A through D, 1953, 1953 A and B.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Social Security Card Without Birth Certificate
End Of The Silver Certificates
In the nearly three decades since passage of the Silver Purchase Act of 1934, the annual demand for silver bullion rose steadily from roughly 11 million ounces to 110 million ounces . The Acts of 1939 and 1946 established floor prices for silver of 71 cents and 90.5 cents per ounce. Predicated on an anticipated shortage of silver bullion,Public Law 88-36 was enacted on June 4, 1963 which repealed the Silver Purchase Act of 1934, and the Acts of July 6, 1939 and July 31, 1946, while providing specific instruction regarding the disposition of silver held as reserves against issued certificates and the price at which silver may be sold. It also amended the Federal Reserve Act to authorize the issue of lower denomination notes , allowing for the gradual retirement of $1 silver certificates and releasing silver bullion from reserve. In repealing the earlier laws, PL88-36 also repealed the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to control the issue of silver certificates. By issuing Executive Order 11110, President John F. Kennedy was able to continue the Secretary’s authority. While retaining their status as legal tender, the silver certificate had effectively been retired from use.
How Much Is A 1957 One Dollar Bill Silver Certificate Worth
FAQS.ORG makes no guarantees as to the accuracy of the posts. Each post is the personal opinion of theposter. These posts are not intended to substitute for medical, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or otherprofessional advice. FAQS.ORG does not endorse any opinion or any product or service mentioned mentioned in these posts.
Also Check: 5 Year Certificate Of Deposit Rates
Value Of 1957 $1 Silver Certificates
Year: 1957 |
Denomination: One Dollar Bill |
Portrait: George Washington |
Description: One dollar silver certificates from 1957 are common even in high grade. These bills were printed by the billions and are not rare nor interesting to most collectors. If you have a silver certificate you have any questions about, please contact us by email or phone today.
The 1957 $1 silver certificates are very popular among beginner collectors because of its inexpensive cost and the fact its a blue seal silver certificate bill.
1957 $1 silver certificate value
Varieties: The regular issue 1957 $1 silver certificates have 3 different types: 1957, 1957A, and 1957B.
Value: The value of 1957 one dollar silver certificates is based upon condition and serial number. These bills are only worth around $1.50 each. Notes in better condition may be worth $3. We only buy low/fancy serial number or misprint 1957 $1 silver certificates.