question on the 1934 $1

HistoryMajor · May 27, 2016 9:46PM

I like the look of the 1934 $1. Why was this design discontinued and not used on the 1935 and later series silver certificates?

Jamericon · May 27, 2016 11:39PM

To accommodate the surface-printed signatures used on Series of 1935 $1s, the BEP reduced some design elements, including the treasury seal, large numeral 1, and the serial numbers. Because the signatures were no longer an intaglio-engraved feature, space had to be made to allow for variance in where the surface-printed dies made contact with the sheet.

delistamps · May 28, 2016 1:14AM

Jamie, this leaves the question "why not the same move with the $5 and $10 SC's?"

Jamericon · May 28, 2016 1:28AM

Applying signatures to 1935 $1s by surface printing was a trial effort. Although successful and beneficial, it wasn't applied to other notes until the 1950s with the Series of 1950 and 1953.

delistamps · May 28, 2016 1:51AM

Thanks; you are a wealth of knowledge!

larry510 · May 28, 2016 2:23AM

Great info and I've always wondered that as well!

HistoryMajor · May 28, 2016 2:51AM

Thanks Jamie!

Tookybandit · May 28, 2016 5:20AM

I've got some $5 1950 FRN's where the signatures are punch through embossed. I always wondered why, now I get it! A new/different process was being implemented, very cool!