Hobbies And Interests
Rarity
The 1957 note, without the series letter "A" or "B" after the date, was the most commonly produced silver certificate, so it isn't considered rare by collectors. It was actually the last silver certificate to be printed, and all of the ones issued in the 1960s still bore the year 1957.
Silver Value
When issued, silver certificates could be redeemed for their face value in silver bullion or U.S. silver dollar coins. The notes carried a unique legend printed on the front that said silver had been deposited in the U.S. Treasury, and that the person carrying the paper money could receive the precious metal on demand. However, the notes haven't been redeemable for real silver since the 1960s, because of a change in federal law that was brought on by rising silver prices. The government shredded many silver certificates because, after the notes were redeemed, they lost their backing in silver and could not be released into circulation again.
Collector Value
Because so many were printed, most 1957 silver certificates are worth little more than their $1 face value, even in circulated condition with little wear. They will bring $1.25 to $2. An uncirculated one is worth $2 to $4. Collectors will pay more for "star notes," error notes or ones with unusual serial numbers.
Star Notes
A star note is paper currency that has a star in the serial number, to indicate that it was issued to replace a note that was damaged or misprinted during production. Because they are rare, star notes are valued by collectors. A 1957 silver certificate star note in crisp uncirculated condition could bring $12 to $15.
Notable Change
The 1957 silver certificate was the first U.S. paper money to bear the motto "In God We Trust." It appears on the back, above the "One." The first note carrying the new motto went into circulation Oct. 1, 1957.