1917 $1 Legal Tender Note MS63 CGA

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  • Product ID: 55801
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  • Description:

    The 1917 $1 Legal Tender Note graded MS63 by CGA is a superb example of early 20th-century American currency, combining intricate design, rich symbolism, and historical relevance in a large-size format that is highly sought after by collectors. As the final $1 Legal Tender Note issued in large format before the transition to small-size notes in 1928, the 1917 issue marks the end of a visually striking era in U.S. paper money. Graded Mint State 63 by CGA (Currency Grading and Authentication), this note is certified uncirculated, offering crisp detail, strong color, and excellent preservation over more than a century since its issuance.

    The front of the 1917 $1 Legal Tender Note is dominated by a central portrait of George Washington at the left, taken from Gilbert Stuart’s famous painting and long associated with American paper money. To the right of the portrait is a detailed vignette titled “Columbus Discovery of Land,” showing Christopher Columbus and his crew spotting the New World. This scene, engraved with fine precision, echoes the era’s themes of exploration, national identity, and historical achievement. The background is filled with ornate border engravings, guilloché patterns, and allegorical symbols that exemplify the artistry of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing at the time.

    One of the most recognizable features of this note is the vivid red Treasury Seal located to the right of Washington's portrait, accompanied by red-ink serial numbers printed in the upper right and lower left corners. These bright red elements provide strong contrast to the deep black intaglio printing and enhance the note’s visual appeal. The inscriptions “UNITED STATES NOTE” and “THIS NOTE IS A LEGAL TENDER FOR ONE DOLLAR” appear prominently in Gothic lettering, affirming the note’s status as legal tender backed directly by the federal government—not by gold or silver, but by the full faith and credit of the United States.

    The reverse side of the note features a striking green back design with symmetrical scrollwork, bold serif inscriptions of “ONE DOLLAR,” and the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” prominently displayed across the top. The symmetry, complexity, and precision of the green back design contributed both to anti-counterfeiting efforts and to the distinct appearance of American paper currency. The green ink used on the reverse is also the origin of the term “greenback,” a popular nickname for U.S. paper money that originated during the Civil War and continued into the 20th century.

    The 1917 $1 Legal Tender Note was part of a broader issue authorized under the Act of March 3, 1863, and printed in large quantities to meet circulation needs. It was produced in several signature combinations, most commonly with Treasury officials Elliott and Burke. Despite high overall issuance, relatively few examples survive today in uncirculated condition, making Mint State notes a key target for collectors. The MS63 grade by CGA indicates a note with no folds, crisp paper quality, full original color, and only minor handling marks or light corner bends visible under close inspection. These characteristics place the note comfortably in the high-end collectible category.

    As a grading service, CGA was among the earliest third-party paper money graders, though it is now less prominent than PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) or PCGS Banknote. Nevertheless, CGA-certified notes in MS63 are generally respected in the numismatic community, particularly when the note’s eye appeal and preservation are strong. A CGA MS63 example will typically feature bold print, sharp corners, and deep color saturation, with few, if any, noticeable blemishes. Collectors often find such notes desirable for both display and investment purposes, especially when preserved in their original encapsulated holder.

    In terms of physical attributes, the 1917 $1 Legal Tender Note measures approximately 7.375 x 3.125 inches—the standard dimensions for U.S. large-size currency. It was printed on rag-based paper with durable fibers, and many surviving examples show embossed printing and other original traits. The presence of original embossing and a bright white background further enhance the appeal of Mint State examples. Notes that remain unpressed and show original paper wave or crinkle are particularly valued among condition-conscious collectors.

    From a historical perspective, the 1917 $1 Legal Tender Note holds significance as a bridge between 19th-century financial practices and the more modern monetary systems of the 20th century. As a Legal Tender Note, it was not backed by precious metals but by the credit of the federal government, and it circulated alongside silver certificates, gold certificates, and National Bank Notes. The 1917 issue was the final iteration of the $1 large-size Legal Tender Note, preceding the redesign and resizing of U.S. currency in the 1920s. It serves as a last glimpse into the ornate and highly artistic tradition of earlier paper money.

    Collectors prize the 1917 $1 Legal Tender Note for several reasons: its bold red overprint, the historical vignettes of Columbus and Washington, and its large-size dimensions that allow the intricate engraving to be appreciated in full. MS63 examples are well-suited for advanced type sets, early 20th-century currency collections, or displays that emphasize U.S. financial and design history. The note’s strong visual presentation and well-preserved condition make it a standout piece, even among other large-size $1 notes of the era.

    In conclusion, the 1917 $1 Legal Tender Note graded MS63 by CGA is a compelling and historically rich collectible that represents the end of a classic era in American paper currency. With its dramatic vignettes, vivid red overprint, and large-format elegance, it captures both the artistic and financial character of early 20th-century America. As an uncirculated note, it offers strong eye appeal, investment potential, and a tangible link to a time when U.S. money was as much a work of art as it was a medium of exchange. It remains a foundational note in any collection of U.S. currency or American historical memorabilia.

  • Details:
    • Denomination: N/A
    • Year: 1917
    • Diameter: N/A
    • Mint Mark: N/A
    • Thickness: N/A
    • Grade: N/A

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