Silver Certificates

Silver certificates are a type of representative money printed from 1878 to 1964 in the United States as a part of its circulation of paper currency. Silver certificates were produced as a reply to citizens that were angered by the Fourth Coinage Act. The fourth coinage act had place the United States on a gold standard demonetizing silver, stopping western mining interest and citizens who were wanting silver in circulation. Because of so many citizens were angered the Fourth Coinage Act is also known as the “Crime of 73”. Silver certificates were originally redeemable on in Federal Reserve notes and are thus outdated but, are still suitable legal tender.

There are 2 features that make a distinction between a Silver Certificate and regular currency; the seal and its serial numbers. On many of the first Silver Certificates issued their seals were red, brown, or blue. It was not until the 1899 series for the $1, $2, and $5 denominations that the seal and number colors were officially and permanently changed to blue. During World War II the government issued 1935a Silver Certificates with a brown seal for Hawaii distribution and 1935a certificates with a yellow seal for North Africa distribution. The idea was that if these areas fell into enemy hands during the war, the money could easily be identified and cancelled so as to prevent large monetary losses.

The obligation of a certificate states how much of a specific article of trade the government of a country will “pay to the bearer.” On most large-size Silver Certificates, the obligation reads: “This certifies that there have/has been deposited in the Treasury of the United States of America (number) silver dollar(s) payable to the bearer on demand.” On small-sized Silver Certificates beginning with Series 1934, in order to denote current location of deposit, it was changed to read: “This certifies that there is on deposit in the Treasury of the United States of America (number) dollar(s) in silver payable to the bearer on demand.”

TomsCoinWorld is a unique collection of gold and silver coins and currency for every taste. From early large cents to modern commemoratives, TomsCoinWorld offers a wide array of currency in different grades. There will always be something for any collector that visits us, and with new items coming into our inventory everyday you’ll be sure to find the perfect coin for you at TomsCoinWorld.

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