What Is a Series 1963 Silver Certificate?

Identifying Silver Certificates

• Silver certificates bear the words "In Silver Payable to the Bearer on Demand" underneath the denomination printed near the lower edge of the face. Many, although not all, have a treasury seal and serial numbers printed in blue ink.

Printing Series

• All U.S. paper currency printed since 1929 bears a Series designation on the lower right of the portrait on the face. Depending on denomination, silver certificates are imprinted with Series numbers 1928, 1933, 1934, 1935, 1953 and 1957. Series 1957 includes only $1 bills, which are the first silver certificates to bear the motto "In God We Trust" on the rear.

Series 1963 Bills

• All bills printed in Series 1963 are Federal Reserve Notes, with green seal and serial number; or United States Notes with red seal and serial number. This Series includes the first $1 Federal Reserve Notes printed, whose basic design is identical to dollar bills still being printed today.

Series 1963 Silver Certificates

• The U. S. Bureau of Engraving did not print Silver Certificates bearing a Series 1963 designation. United States Notes of Series 1963 have red ink on the seal and serial numbers in this Series, although only in $2 and $5 denominations. Series 1966 United States Notes include bills of $100 denomination.