Series 1928A $1 Silver Certificate – "Funnyback"

• Catalog Reference: Friedberg #1601 (Fr. 1601)

• Denomination: $1 (One Dollar)

• Type: Small-Size Silver Certificate (Blue Treasury Seal on the left & Blue Serial Numbers)

• Series: Series of 1928 A

• Signatures: Woods – Mellon (W. O. Woods, Treasurer of the United States; A. W. Mellon, Secretary of the Treasury)

• Serial Number: D 39757481 B

• Plate Positions: Front position letter K (upper left and lower right), Front plate K 109, Back plate 1047

Key Design & Historical Context

• The "Funnyback" Type: Nicknamed by the public because the reverse features an ornate lace border framing a massive, hollow-block numeral "ONE" rather than the Great Seal vignettes introduced in 1935. It is the only reverse design ever used on small-size $1 Silver Certificates prior to the 1935 overhaul.

• Obverse Layout Differences:

  • The large blue Treasury seal sits on the left instead of the right.

  • A stylized, oversized gray numeral "ONE" sits behind the right-side serial number.

  • The bottom obligation specifically promises: "ONE SILVER DOLLAR / PAYABLE TO THE BEARER ON DEMAND" (promising an actual silver dollar coin, rather than later text promising "silver").

• Serial Breakdown: 3, 9, 7, 5, 7, 4, 8, 1 (a 7-digit composition with a repeating non-consecutive pair of 7s: 39 7 5 7 481). Standard circulation sequence.

Condition Assessment

• Technical Grade: Very Good to Fine (VG 10 – F 12)

• Wear & Flaws:

  • Heavy, honest Great Depression-era circulation.

  • Multiple deep horizontal and vertical folds crossing throughout the paper fibers.

  • Significant handling grime, border softening, and edge toning consistent with pocket transit.

  • Paper remains complete and intact without major border tears, chunks missing, or distracting graffiti/pen marks.