Since 1928, the United States has used the “small-size” banknote design we recognize today. While billions of these notes have been printed, the market for rare varieties, emergency issues, and condition rarities has turned the humble $1 bill into a sophisticated asset class. This guide breaks down the history, grading standards, and current market valuations for every major $1 small-size series.
How Banknotes are Graded
In the world of paper money, condition is the single most important factor in determining value. Even a rare note can lose 70% of its potential value if it has been folded or handled poorly.
Average Circulated (VF to EF): These are notes found in older collections or occasionally in circulation. They typically have limited folds and a semi-crisp surface. To qualify for this range, the note must have no tears, pinholes, or water damage.
Uncirculated (UNC / CU): Often called “Crisp Uncirculated,” these notes are “pack fresh.” They have zero wear, no fold marks, and perfectly sharp, square corners.
Gem Uncirculated: The pinnacle of currency collecting. A “Gem” note features perfect centering and deep, hard-impressed ink colors that retain their original “sheen.” These notes command the highest premiums at auction and are the primary targets for registry set collectors.
Expert Insight: If your bill has a star (★) at the end of the serial number, it is a Replacement Note. These were printed to replace sheets damaged during production and are significantly rarer than standard issues.
🔗 Wondering if your star note is rare? You can check the exact print-run size and rarity score here: Star Note Lookup and Data
The Master $1 Banknote Price Chart (1928–1999)
This table outlines the average market values for small-size $1 notes. Please note that “Star” versions of these notes are replacement currency and often represent the highest valuations in the hobby.
Series | Seal Color | Note Type | Circulated (VF/EF) | Uncirculated (UNC) | Star Note (UNC) |
1928 | Red | Legal Tender | $25 – $150 | $600 – $1,200 | $42,000+ |
1928 | Blue | Silver Cert | $10 – $35 | $85 – $125 | $375 – $900 |
1928A/B | Blue | Silver Cert | $5 – $20 | $85 – $125 | $350 – $950 |
1928C | Blue | Silver Cert | $35 – $150 | $600 – $1,500 | $25,000+ |
1928D | Blue | Silver Cert | $30 – $125 | $425 – $1,200 | $27,500+ |
1928E | Blue | Silver Cert | $100 – $450 | $1,700 – $3,500 | $75,000+ |
1934 | Blue | Silver Cert | $8 – $25 | $50 – $150 | $500 – $1,200 |
1935A | Brown | Hawaii WWII | $20 – $75 | $350 – $750 | $1,200 – $5,000 |
1935A | Yellow | N. Africa WWII | $35 – $135 | $550 – $1,400 | $1,500 – $6,500 |
1935 (C-H) | Blue | Silver Cert | $2 – $8 | $15 – $40 | $50 – $250 |
1957 (A/B) | Blue | Silver Cert | $1.50 – $3 | $5 – $15 | $15 – $45 |
1963-1999 | Green | Fed Reserve | $1.00 | $2 – $5 | $5 – $25 |
Modern Era $1 Values (1999–Present)
While modern green-seal notes are generally worth face value, specific errors and low-mintage star runs have created high-value opportunities for pocket-change hunters.
Series | Standard (UNC) | Star Note (UNC) | Key Variety / Error |
1999 | $3.00 – $5.00 | $15.00 – $25.00 | Look for low-mintage star runs. |
2001 | $2.00 – $4.00 | $10.00 – $20.00 | Common, but high-grade stars rising. |
2003/A | $2.00 – $3.00 | $8.00 – $15.00 | Check for “Fancy” serial numbers. |
2009 | $1.50 – $2.50 | $5.00 – $10.00 | First year for Treasurer Rios. |
2013 | Face Value | $15 – $500+ | The “B” Duplicate Serial Error. |
2017/A | Face Value | $4.00 – $8.00 | Fort Worth (FW) vs DC signatures. |
2021 | Face Value | $3.00 – $6.00 | Most recent replacement series. |
Identifying Key Rarities
1. The 1928 “Funnyback”
The Series 1928 $1 notes are nicknamed “Funnybacks” due to the whimsical, large-scale design on the reverse. The Red Seal version of this note is a legendary rarity. While a standard blue seal is accessible, the Red Seal Star note is one of the most valuable pieces of 20th-century currency.
2. WWII Emergency Issues (Hawaii & North Africa)
During World War II, the U.S. issued specially marked currency for Hawaii (Brown Seals) and North Africa (Yellow Seals). These were designed to be easily demonetized if the regions were captured by enemy forces. Today, these notes—especially those with a “Star” serial number—are highly prized by history buffs and currency investors alike.
3. The 2013 “B” Star Duplicate Error
One of the most significant modern errors occurred when the Bureau of Engraving and Printing accidentally produced two identical runs of Series 2013 $1 Star Notes from the New York “B” Federal Reserve District. Finding a “Matching Pair” of these serial numbers is a massive discovery that can fetch four to five figures at auction.
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