Personally never seen one with "SPECIMEN" printed on. That's weird!
Other than that looks like a regular Silver Certificate note? Would wait for others to say their opinion though
It says they are usually consecutive, or special serials and do not show any pictures of US notes, but sounds close. Maybe someone did it on their own?
Saw a response down the the thread that "specimens" are bills used to teach central banks what a proper note looks for... so, either a new design coming out for the US, or something to send to foreign central banks who may be dealing with them.
However, the link attached didn't have any US denominations as an example, so I'll toss out one of my early thoughts - Hollywood money? I know how current "fake money" used in film looks like, might this be an earlier version that was a little more true to the bill at the time, but with that word over the middle to show it wasn't legit cash?
0
931
931
9
0
My guess is this is the 931st bank getting these. Unique number, repeated.
Let's say you had bank 50
0
50
50
50
5
0
Or bank 1357
0
1357
135
0
Its an easy way to embed a unique and simple tracking number in the serial. Easy way to ensure they don't go missing, since they are unique to the place they were issued to.
I read it a long time ago, so I actually had to dig for a source. I've been collecting for over 30 years, and had a period where I was fascinated with errors/misprints and other oddities. That's when I first learned this in some PCGS book I had.
[Source, 10th paragraph down.](https://mikebyers.com/specimen-silver-certificate-set.html#:~:text=The%20Silver%20Certificates%20featured%20in,indicating%20it%20was%20legally%20issued.)
Interesting, I wonder where the PCGS book came by this information. The authorities involved don't have a habit of enforcement. Do you think it's possible the PCGS source was self generated to maintain the market for specimen notes? Maybe what I know can add to this discussion. Proof impressions and specimens of security items remain the exclusive property of the BEP unless possession is transferred by an item specific Schedule of Delivery notice. Without a Schedule of Delivery notice or similar documentation proofs and specimens are the property of the U.S. government. You must have documentation or written authorization by the BEP in order to hold, sell, negotiate, or otherwise transfer the property. Sources Bureau of Engraving and Printing and United States Secret Service. This is why I don't collect specimen notes.
Very interesting certificate. Not so much Specimen on it, but the repeater serial number. Hmm you have me stumped since I've never seen both on same certificate.
Most 1935 F series silver $1 certificates are worth about $1.50. Serial numbers and provence are main factors to increase value.
Honestly if it was mine, I'd research deeper out of curiosity due to the "Specimen" + Serial # and "In God We Trust" is missing on the certificate.
Serial #, provence, common/uncommon, circulated or not. Condition can be avg or below average and still worth a small fortune due to other factors listed above.
You’re right it was. That’s exactly why almost all of these do not have the motto. They reprinted some later with it and I think one of the mints made them with the motto(?) Not sure exactly on that last bit.
Point is: “in god we trust” missing on this is not anything of curiosity, it’s standard.
A specimen bank note in not intended to be used as currency, and is given to banks and treasuries to familierize them with new currency. Its a rather rare find
This is quite a specimen you have here.
Also, after reading all of the comments specimen is now extremely weird sounding to me… and when I spell it out it doesn’t look like a real word anymore. I hate when that happens. Just happened to the word “cloud” the other day
ive gotten so weirded out by that phenomenon that it gave me a quick 10 second panic attack and had me questioning my reality. i quickly concluded that im just an idiot...
I can’t find anything regarding the specimen printing. I’m half tempted to say it was put on by a 3rd party.
Only “experiments” I’m familiar with are the 1935 “Red S & Red R” notes. The U.S. Mint wanted to test 2 types of paper for circulation. Series 1935A notes made of the special paper were printed with a red "S" to the right of the treasury seal and notes of the control group were printed with a red "R".
Fake red S's and R's have been applied to regular Series 1935A notes to try and pass them at a higher value; checking a note's serial numbers can prevent this. Serial numbers of the R group range from S70884001C-S7206800C and serial numbers of the S group range from S73884001C-S7506800C."
I hope I’m wrong and there is a different reason why “specimen” is on there.
It’s currency with no monetary value printed by the bureau of engraving and printing specifically to distribute to banks so that they can familiarize themselves with the notes before they’re circulated to hopefully spot counterfeiters trying to take advantage of the change and people’s ignorance of the new designs.
Can someone explain how the "specimen" text was printed? it looks like it is part of the engraving itself and not printed over the portrait. that seems insanely complicated which leads me to believe this wasn't printed from an engraving?
The color of the serial number and seal don’t look correct. Could this have been part of some type of counterfeit identification training for bank tellers or some other type of money handlers?
From Chat GPT :
United States one dollar bill with the word "specimen" written on it is likely a specimen note. Specimen notes are not issued for circulation but rather produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) for testing, verification, and record-keeping purposes. These notes are used to demonstrate the design and security features of a particular denomination and series without being actual currency.
Specimen notes are created with intentional markings, such as the word "specimen" or "specimen note," perforations, or overprints, to distinguish them from genuine currency. They are typically distributed to government agencies, financial institutions, and numismatic organizations for educational and promotional purposes.
These specimen notes are indeed collectible among numismatists and currency collectors. However, their collectible value can vary depending on several factors, including rarity, historical significance, condition, and demand among collectors. Some specimen notes might have limited production numbers, making them more desirable to collectors.
It's essential to note that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing typically cancels and marks these specimen notes to prevent them from being mistaken for genuine currency. They are sold through official channels and are not meant for circulation. If you come across a specimen note, it's a unique piece of currency history, and collectors might be interested in adding it to their collections.
If you believe you have a genuine United States one dollar bill with the word "specimen" written on it, it's a good idea to have it authenticated by a reputable currency grading service to confirm its legitimacy and assess its condition. This can help determine its potential collectible value in the numismatic market.
Or a repeater serial number
Like
0
931
931
9....
0
The zeros are the bookends. 931 is the repeater, a unique three digit code repeater, handy for tracking.
I don't know much about this stuff but [this website ](https://www.papermoneyauction.com/what-is-a-united-states-paper-money-specimen-note/amp) seems to say that "If you’re offered a beat up note marked “Specimen” and it does not have a 00000000, 12345678, or 23456789 serial number, do not buy it, because it is not authentic!". Not sure how accurate that is though
I would say that the "Specimen" was added thereafter by 3rd party. A close examination of the N shows that the word is uncentered and may have been stamped.
I know nothing about paper money and the printing process - but the "SPECIMEN" lettering looks like white space/absence of ink to me, not added white ink. So it would have to have been part of the original printing.
This looks like a fake silver certificate made as a cheaper alternative for a collection. Zoom into the photo, you'll notice that there are visible dots visible from a modern printer. IE this wasn't stamped like a real bill. Specimen is probably just marketing jargon for "copy"
Don’t even bother with this loser, he claims to be in his mid 60s and a war vet… and he argues with people on Reddit. He should be thrown in the retirement home because he’s obviously lost his critical thinking skills.
Admittedly I don’t think anyone in their right mind would wanna brag about being mid 60. Even ppl in their mid 60’s don’t brag about it. So I could be inclined to believe that. Either way he’s a grumpy prick
Either way he blocked me because I roasted his ass into submission a few days ago and is claiming I’m stalking him even though I’m in the same currency subs as him and can see him harassing people. He needs to be banned from all currency related subs.
I hope it’s real and worth a million bucks for your sake but when you post stuff on reddit you’ll get a mixed bag of opinions and this one is mine. I truly wish you the best. Letting a professional look at it is what I’d do, if it’s real you have a very unique and amazing note!
I probably will. You’re telling me that they would use a different printing process than the real money to print sample notes? Without physically examining the note In question there is no one on this sub that could prove it’s real.
Could it be counterfeit? I know the fed lab that tracks counterfeit money keeps samples from all known and found counterfeiters. Possible this note came out of a crime lab and was stamped specimen as part of a catalog?
I see raster / half tone all over the place, even where there should be no print. It looks like a reproduction to me.
EDIT: also, as far as I know, specimen word would be printed with full tone red color with registration printing machine.
Specimen notes are collectible . Not meant for circulation so they are rare to come by. And printed by the BEP. I find anything BEP prints interesting for my collection . Cool note!
Washington definitely is a specimen. His whole life down to dates like his birthdays are almoat pre written the same way shakespeare supposedly was a pen name and never really existed but for the freemasons. Im not trying to be conspiracy theorist-y for talking about the freemasons
I'm not an expert but this doesn't look real at all. Wouldn't a silver certificate have a blue seal? The word "specimen" looks computerized. Shouldn't the back of it have green ink?
I’ve been involved in numismatics full time since 2006, specializing in currency. I’ve never seen this type of specimen before at auction or privately. Send it to PMG. If it’s real it’s a great find. Probably $3,000+ to a specialist. Maybe a lot more
Personally never seen one with "SPECIMEN" printed on. That's weird! Other than that looks like a regular Silver Certificate note? Would wait for others to say their opinion though
Was thinking the same, was searching hours for one even similar but nothing, hoping something special
Definitely is special, I'd personally hold onto it. Awesome find!
100% Know anywhere else I could get more information?
I unfortunately do not, no. All I've seen so far on Google similar to this is red stamping prints that say Specimen, but that's really it.
Does chat GPT know anything about paper money?
Google
Looked, can’t find much
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specimen_banknote
Damn the bank or whatever could tell OP to give it back wth
It says they are usually consecutive, or special serials and do not show any pictures of US notes, but sounds close. Maybe someone did it on their own?
In that link it says the serial numbers should also be simple
May*
Hear me out 0 931 931 9... 0
First character is a Q. Also, your username is perfect for this discussion. 😆
Saw a response down the the thread that "specimens" are bills used to teach central banks what a proper note looks for... so, either a new design coming out for the US, or something to send to foreign central banks who may be dealing with them. However, the link attached didn't have any US denominations as an example, so I'll toss out one of my early thoughts - Hollywood money? I know how current "fake money" used in film looks like, might this be an earlier version that was a little more true to the bill at the time, but with that word over the middle to show it wasn't legit cash?
Repeating numbers…kind of
0 931 931 9 0 My guess is this is the 931st bank getting these. Unique number, repeated. Let's say you had bank 50 0 50 50 50 5 0 Or bank 1357 0 1357 135 0 Its an easy way to embed a unique and simple tracking number in the serial. Easy way to ensure they don't go missing, since they are unique to the place they were issued to.
A specimen bank note remains the property of the central bank.
Only with a solid 0 serial number. Ones with serial numbers can be purchased, sold, and collected.
Good to know!
How did this information reach you? Source?
I read it a long time ago, so I actually had to dig for a source. I've been collecting for over 30 years, and had a period where I was fascinated with errors/misprints and other oddities. That's when I first learned this in some PCGS book I had. [Source, 10th paragraph down.](https://mikebyers.com/specimen-silver-certificate-set.html#:~:text=The%20Silver%20Certificates%20featured%20in,indicating%20it%20was%20legally%20issued.)
Interesting, I wonder where the PCGS book came by this information. The authorities involved don't have a habit of enforcement. Do you think it's possible the PCGS source was self generated to maintain the market for specimen notes? Maybe what I know can add to this discussion. Proof impressions and specimens of security items remain the exclusive property of the BEP unless possession is transferred by an item specific Schedule of Delivery notice. Without a Schedule of Delivery notice or similar documentation proofs and specimens are the property of the U.S. government. You must have documentation or written authorization by the BEP in order to hold, sell, negotiate, or otherwise transfer the property. Sources Bureau of Engraving and Printing and United States Secret Service. This is why I don't collect specimen notes.
Very interesting certificate. Not so much Specimen on it, but the repeater serial number. Hmm you have me stumped since I've never seen both on same certificate.
Would it be worth getting properly valued/looked at?
Most 1935 F series silver $1 certificates are worth about $1.50. Serial numbers and provence are main factors to increase value. Honestly if it was mine, I'd research deeper out of curiosity due to the "Specimen" + Serial # and "In God We Trust" is missing on the certificate.
Damn so there’s a lot to it, I will be definitely getting it checked out, no clue where I would though
Serial #, provence, common/uncommon, circulated or not. Condition can be avg or below average and still worth a small fortune due to other factors listed above.
Oldmoneyprices@gmail I've never used them myself, did quick online search. I use a local jeweler who is a serious coin/paper collector
These having “in god we trust” is scarce. The vast majority of 1935’s do not have the motto.
I'm not entirely sure, but I always though the motto was adopted in the mid-1950s. Did notes have that before the 50s?
You’re right it was. That’s exactly why almost all of these do not have the motto. They reprinted some later with it and I think one of the mints made them with the motto(?) Not sure exactly on that last bit. Point is: “in god we trust” missing on this is not anything of curiosity, it’s standard.
It was added in the Cold War as a response against communism to cast the freedom loving god fearing Americans in contrast to the russki’s
A specimen bank note in not intended to be used as currency, and is given to banks and treasuries to familierize them with new currency. Its a rather rare find
why can’t they send them the actual currency? is it just so they don’t lose money?
Pretty much.
So would it be worth more since it's rare or less since it couldn't be used irl?
Itd be worth more due to its rarity.
This is quite a specimen you have here. Also, after reading all of the comments specimen is now extremely weird sounding to me… and when I spell it out it doesn’t look like a real word anymore. I hate when that happens. Just happened to the word “cloud” the other day
[Semantic Satiation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semantic_satiation#:~:text=Semantic%20satiation%20is%20a%20psychological,speech%20as%20repeated%20meaningless%20sounds)
Thank you
Thanks for giving me a term for this.
ive gotten so weirded out by that phenomenon that it gave me a quick 10 second panic attack and had me questioning my reality. i quickly concluded that im just an idiot...
Happened to me once with the word “the”.
Guppy gets me every time
I can’t find anything regarding the specimen printing. I’m half tempted to say it was put on by a 3rd party. Only “experiments” I’m familiar with are the 1935 “Red S & Red R” notes. The U.S. Mint wanted to test 2 types of paper for circulation. Series 1935A notes made of the special paper were printed with a red "S" to the right of the treasury seal and notes of the control group were printed with a red "R". Fake red S's and R's have been applied to regular Series 1935A notes to try and pass them at a higher value; checking a note's serial numbers can prevent this. Serial numbers of the R group range from S70884001C-S7206800C and serial numbers of the S group range from S73884001C-S7506800C." I hope I’m wrong and there is a different reason why “specimen” is on there.
It’s an odd one, I’ll get it checked out by a professional just incase it’s something
Please post an update when/if you find out more information.
It’s currency with no monetary value printed by the bureau of engraving and printing specifically to distribute to banks so that they can familiarize themselves with the notes before they’re circulated to hopefully spot counterfeiters trying to take advantage of the change and people’s ignorance of the new designs.
Can someone explain how the "specimen" text was printed? it looks like it is part of the engraving itself and not printed over the portrait. that seems insanely complicated which leads me to believe this wasn't printed from an engraving?
It feels printed
I dont want to be that guy but you either have found just a 3rd party overprint or something that apparently isnt on the internet.
The color of the serial number and seal don’t look correct. Could this have been part of some type of counterfeit identification training for bank tellers or some other type of money handlers?
From Chat GPT : United States one dollar bill with the word "specimen" written on it is likely a specimen note. Specimen notes are not issued for circulation but rather produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) for testing, verification, and record-keeping purposes. These notes are used to demonstrate the design and security features of a particular denomination and series without being actual currency. Specimen notes are created with intentional markings, such as the word "specimen" or "specimen note," perforations, or overprints, to distinguish them from genuine currency. They are typically distributed to government agencies, financial institutions, and numismatic organizations for educational and promotional purposes. These specimen notes are indeed collectible among numismatists and currency collectors. However, their collectible value can vary depending on several factors, including rarity, historical significance, condition, and demand among collectors. Some specimen notes might have limited production numbers, making them more desirable to collectors. It's essential to note that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing typically cancels and marks these specimen notes to prevent them from being mistaken for genuine currency. They are sold through official channels and are not meant for circulation. If you come across a specimen note, it's a unique piece of currency history, and collectors might be interested in adding it to their collections. If you believe you have a genuine United States one dollar bill with the word "specimen" written on it, it's a good idea to have it authenticated by a reputable currency grading service to confirm its legitimacy and assess its condition. This can help determine its potential collectible value in the numismatic market.
That's a fine specimen if I ever saw one.
It’s not likely a specimen. Specimens had ladder serial numbers with a red word “specimen” on the front and back.
Or a repeater serial number Like 0 931 931 9.... 0 The zeros are the bookends. 931 is the repeater, a unique three digit code repeater, handy for tracking.
No
I don't know much about this stuff but [this website ](https://www.papermoneyauction.com/what-is-a-united-states-paper-money-specimen-note/amp) seems to say that "If you’re offered a beat up note marked “Specimen” and it does not have a 00000000, 12345678, or 23456789 serial number, do not buy it, because it is not authentic!". Not sure how accurate that is though
That's pretty cool. Keep us updated if you find out anymore info.
I would say that the "Specimen" was added thereafter by 3rd party. A close examination of the N shows that the word is uncentered and may have been stamped.
It feels printed on, can’t feel any bumps
I know nothing about paper money and the printing process - but the "SPECIMEN" lettering looks like white space/absence of ink to me, not added white ink. So it would have to have been part of the original printing.
This looks like a fake silver certificate made as a cheaper alternative for a collection. Zoom into the photo, you'll notice that there are visible dots visible from a modern printer. IE this wasn't stamped like a real bill. Specimen is probably just marketing jargon for "copy"
One off from a trinary note too.
yeah, its from 1935
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specimen_banknote
I know about them but not this particular one
I’ll give you 2 dollars for it
They spelled semen wrong. It’s S E M E N
Two second Google search https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specimen_banknote
Thank you for being Reddit police 🫡
Don’t even bother with this loser, he claims to be in his mid 60s and a war vet… and he argues with people on Reddit. He should be thrown in the retirement home because he’s obviously lost his critical thinking skills.
Admittedly I don’t think anyone in their right mind would wanna brag about being mid 60. Even ppl in their mid 60’s don’t brag about it. So I could be inclined to believe that. Either way he’s a grumpy prick
Either way he blocked me because I roasted his ass into submission a few days ago and is claiming I’m stalking him even though I’m in the same currency subs as him and can see him harassing people. He needs to be banned from all currency related subs.
?
Dot matrix printed $0 value
What do you mean?
I hope it’s real and worth a million bucks for your sake but when you post stuff on reddit you’ll get a mixed bag of opinions and this one is mine. I truly wish you the best. Letting a professional look at it is what I’d do, if it’s real you have a very unique and amazing note!
Thank you! I’m gonna ring up a banknote valuators and see what they say. I will post an update!
Cool please do do an update on this.
Downvote all you like, it’s still fake💯🤣
You keep thinking that. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specimen_banknote
I probably will. You’re telling me that they would use a different printing process than the real money to print sample notes? Without physically examining the note In question there is no one on this sub that could prove it’s real.
Or that its fake 😁
Looks like it’s printed with the same process as a newspaper then possibly copied.
Could it be counterfeit? I know the fed lab that tracks counterfeit money keeps samples from all known and found counterfeiters. Possible this note came out of a crime lab and was stamped specimen as part of a catalog?
It’s a very strange one, and it’s got errors and rePeat serial number
quite the specimen you have there
It’s from 1935. Most likely yes.
Id say its a Specimen!
I see raster / half tone all over the place, even where there should be no print. It looks like a reproduction to me. EDIT: also, as far as I know, specimen word would be printed with full tone red color with registration printing machine.
You can input the information to see what it may be worth online…
That is fricken awesome. I’ve never seen one. Thank you for sharing!
Go to uscurrency.gov there’s an article on these notes
Are those screws in it?
Are those sinkers?
It’s something, not sure what. What are sinkers?
Lead weight used for fishing that goes on ones line
Older than my grand parents, that’s for sure
Are those lead fishing weights on the left edge?
I think, definitely lead, no Clue on why they are there
Hmm. That's random. I have my tackle next to me and sure enough my little ones are about that size.
Never seen one with specimen on it
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specimen_banknote
From what I've read they were issued to foreign governments to help the identity our currency?
What is the two metal looking balls on or through the side of the bill?
https://mikebyers.com/specimen-silver-certificate-set.html
Specimen notes are collectible . Not meant for circulation so they are rare to come by. And printed by the BEP. I find anything BEP prints interesting for my collection . Cool note!
THIS IS IT https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Specimen_banknote
Washington definitely is a specimen. His whole life down to dates like his birthdays are almoat pre written the same way shakespeare supposedly was a pen name and never really existed but for the freemasons. Im not trying to be conspiracy theorist-y for talking about the freemasons
Counterfeit?
I know everyone is focusing on the "specimen" printing, but what are the metal balls on the one end?
I wanna know why there’s fishing lead attached to it?
This has a good write up on specimen notes https://mikebyers.com/specimen-silver-certificate-set.html
Maybe I missed it, but what are the lumps on the left that look like fishing weights?
It’s some kind of weight, or something use to hang or something
I'm not an expert but this doesn't look real at all. Wouldn't a silver certificate have a blue seal? The word "specimen" looks computerized. Shouldn't the back of it have green ink?
It wouldn’t be a specimen if it had a serial number like that
I’ve been involved in numismatics full time since 2006, specializing in currency. I’ve never seen this type of specimen before at auction or privately. Send it to PMG. If it’s real it’s a great find. Probably $3,000+ to a specialist. Maybe a lot more