Pop quiz: name a rare $10 small size silver certificate? Immediately, most people would come up with the 1933 issue and 1934 North Africa Star Note, the “Holy Grail” of small sized collecting. There is, however, a nice mid range rarity for those that don’t have $20,000 plus to shell out for a rare North Africa star silver certificate. Introducing Fr. 1703 1934B $10 Silver Certificate with signatures of Julian-Vinson. While its rarity doesn’t reach the stature of the aforementioned notes, it is certainly a highly desirable small size note that any serious collector should have in his or her collection.
According to the Standard Guide Small-Size U.S. Paper Money (1928 to date) by Schwartz and Lindquist, a paltry 337,740 of the 1934B notes bearing Julian and Vinson’s signature were printed. All notes were on the B-A block. The guide has no definitive number for star note production, although it lists known ranges of *01 333 331A to *01 505 683A.
Clearly, this note is a oft overlooked rarity that probably deserves greater attention. When in Uncirculated condition or better, prices exceed $2,000 for regular notes. Star notes in Uncirculated condition are a true rarity, with auction prices for About Uncirculated notes starting at $5,000 and upwards. In fact, in a Heritage Auctions event on February 18, 2005 a Gem Crisp Uncirculated star note example of this type went for $25,300 after a fight between 7 different bidders!
Here are examples of this cool note:
…and a star note!
After looking at these truly under appreciated rarities, you should definitely reassess your $10 Silver Certificate buying priorities. Put those 1934D Wide notes or 1934A Blue Seals on standby: it’s time to hunt down Julian and Vinson and get them in relocated into a prominent spot in your collection. Then, of course, you can make way for that 1934 Yellow Seal North Africa Star Note you’ve always wanted :).
Images are copyright Heritage Auctions and used only to show examples of this note type. If you have any interest in purchasing the actual notes pictured above, please consult Heritage Auction Galleries for further information. You can also surf around our site and see if you can find one. Simply click “Buy $10 Notes” in the menu on the left, then “Buy $10 Small Size Silver Certificates” on the next page. Then it’s off to the races!