Quick Answer: A 1935 $1 silver certificate in typical circulated condition is worth about $1.50 to $5. Crisp uncirculated notes generally bring $10 to $30, while star notes, Hawaii overprints, North Africa notes, and the experimental "R" and "S" notes can sell for $30 to several hundred dollars depending on grade.
The Series 1935 silver certificate is one of the most common old bills Americans find in drawers and inherited collections — it was printed in enormous quantities across sub-series 1935, 1935A through 1935H. Common doesn't mean worthless, though. Here's how to figure out what yours is worth.
What Is a 1935 Silver Certificate?
A silver certificate is a form of US paper money that was once redeemable for silver. You can identify one by the blue Treasury seal and blue serial numbers, and the words "Silver Certificate" across the top of the note. Redemption for silver ended in 1968, but the notes remain legal tender — and collectible.
If you're not sure whether you have a silver certificate or a regular note, our comparison guide on silver certificates vs. Federal Reserve Notes breaks down the differences.
1935 Silver Certificate Value by Variety
Values below are qualified ranges based on recent dealer listings and auction results. Condition drives everything — see our guide to grading paper money.
| Variety | Circulated | Uncirculated |
|---|---|---|
| 1935–1935H (common) | $1.50–$5 | $10–$30 |
| Star notes (common runs) | $5–$25 | $30–$100+ |
| 1935A Hawaii overprint | $25–$75 | $150–$300+ |
| 1935A North Africa (yellow seal) | $30–$75 | $130–$300+ |
| 1935A Experimental "R" or "S" | $60–$150 | $300–$500+ |
A few notes on the standouts:
- Hawaii overprints were WWII emergency notes with brown seals and "HAWAII" printed on both sides. They're a fascinating story in their own right — see our full Hawaii overprint note value guide.
- North Africa notes kept the silver certificate design but used a yellow seal for troops in the Mediterranean theater during WWII.
- Experimental R and S notes (1935A) tested regular vs. special paper. Look for a small red "R" or "S" printed on the right side of the face.
What Makes One 1935 Bill Worth More Than Another?
- Condition. A note with no folds, bright paper, and sharp corners can be worth 5–10x a worn example. Most 1935 notes found in circulation grade Fine or lower.
- Star notes. A star (★) at the start of the serial number marks a replacement note. Values vary by sub-series and run size — what is a star note? covers how rarity works.
- Fancy serial numbers. Low numbers, radars, repeaters, and ladders add a premium on any series. Run your serial through our free fancy serial number checker.
- Sub-series and block. Some signature combinations and print blocks are scarcer. 1935 and 1935A are generally the more interesting sub-series; 1935E is among the most common.
How to Check Your 1935 Silver Certificate with CashScan
Identifying the exact variety by eye takes practice. The CashScan app shortcuts it:
- Open CashScan and point your camera at the bill
- The app identifies the series, sub-series, and note type in seconds
- Review the historical details and market-value context for that variety
- Save it to your collection history so you can track everything you've checked
From there, check the serial number for stars and fancy patterns, and compare condition honestly against grading standards.
Should You Sell a 1935 Silver Certificate?
For common circulated notes, selling individually rarely makes sense — dealers often buy them in bulk for a small premium over face. But if you have an uncirculated note, a star, a Hawaii or North Africa variety, or an experimental note, it's worth getting real offers. Our guide on where to sell old paper money compares dealers, auctions, and marketplaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 1935 silver certificate worth today?
Most circulated examples are worth $1.50–$5. Uncirculated notes bring $10–$30, and special varieties (stars, Hawaii, North Africa, experimentals) can be worth much more.
Why does my 1935 bill say Silver Certificate instead of Federal Reserve Note?
Silver certificates were once redeemable for silver. Redemption ended in 1968; today they're legal tender plus collectible value.
What is the rarest 1935 silver certificate?
The 1935A experimental R and S notes and low-run stars are the scarcest widely traded varieties, along with high-grade Hawaii overprints.
Are 1935 silver certificates without "In God We Trust" valuable?
No — the motto simply wasn't added to $1 bills until late in the series (1935G/H), so its absence is normal.
The Bottom Line
The 1935 silver certificate is the most common blue-seal dollar, so temper expectations — but check every note for stars, overprints, experimentals, and fancy serials before assuming it's a $2 bill. If you have a stack to sort, scan them with CashScan first and let the app flag the varieties worth a closer look.
Related guides: 1934 Silver Certificate Value · 1957 Silver Certificate Value · Silver Certificate Dollar Bill Value
Download CashScan free on the App Store to identify any bill instantly.
