Series 1923 $1 Large-Size Silver Certificate (Speelman / White) – "Cogwheel" Blue Seal – Fr. 237 – Fine to Very Fine (VF 20+)

Item Overview

• Denomination: $1.00 ("One Silver Dollar / Payable to the Bearer on Demand")

• Currency Type: Large-Size United States Silver Certificate ("Horseblanket")

• Series: Series of 1923

• Catalog Reference: Friedberg # 237 (Fr. 237)

• Serial Number: Y 83561674 D (deep blue numerals)

• Treasury Signatures:

  • Register of the Treasury: H. V. Speelman

  • Treasurer of the United States: Frank White

• Plate Position / Identifiers:

  • Check Letter: B (upper right and lower left above seal)

  • Face Plate Number: B 344

  • Back Plate Number: Inscribed in the micro-lathework border on the reverse

• Dimensions: Standard U.S. large-size paper currency (approx. 7.375 in × 3.125 in)

Design & Historical Significance: The Final "Horseblanket"

• The Last Large-Size Dollar: The Series of 1923 marks the final design of large-size $1 Silver Certificates before the Bureau of Engraving and Printing downsized U.S. paper money to modern small-size dimensions in 1928.

• The "Cogwheel" Blue Seal: The obverse features the intricate, radiate-patterned blue Treasury seal often referred to by collectors as the "Cogwheel" seal.

• Obverse Portrait: Centered portrait of George Washington adapted from Gilbert Stuart's famous Athenaeum portrait.

• Reverse Layout: Open, classical green filigree framework framing "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / ONE DOLLAR" vertically within a central ornamental cartouche.

• Security Fibers: Authentic red and blue silk security fibers are visibly embedded throughout the banknote paper.

Condition & Visual Grade Assessment

• Assigned Technical Grade: Very Fine (VF 20+)

• Preservation Highlights:

  • Honest, authentic commercial circulation with a firm, solid paper fabric that retains good residual body.

  • Displays three primary vertical folds (one through the left seal, one near the center, and one to the right of the portrait), with secondary light handling wrinkles.

  • Margins are complete with light, natural edge softening and mild corner rounding; no large edge tears or missing paper chunks.

  • Unfaded, deep blue inks on the "Cogwheel" seal, large numeral "1" overprint, and serial numbers.

  • Clear of heavy staining, foreign ink graffiti, or pinholes.

• Centering: Well-proportioned margins framing the ornate outer borders on both face and back.