1935A $1 North Africa Silver Certificate UNC

The 1935A $1 North Africa Silver Certificate is one of the most iconic and historically significant U.S. small-size notes of World War II. Issued specifically for use by American troops serving overseas, particularly in the North African and European campaigns, this emergency issue stands apart from regular silver certificates of the time due to its distinctive yellow Treasury seal and blue serial numbers. In Uncirculated (UNC) condition, the note retains crisp paper, sharp corners, and original embossing, making it highly prized among collectors of U.S. currency and World War II memorabilia.

The obverse design of the 1935A North Africa $1 note features the familiar portrait of George Washington at the center, based on the famous Gilbert Stuart painting. Surrounding inscriptions include “SILVER CERTIFICATE” above and the obligation statement promising payment of “One Dollar in silver payable to the bearer on demand” below. The series year, 1935A, is noted to the lower right of Washington’s portrait. What distinguishes this wartime issue from standard notes is the bright yellow Treasury seal to the right of Washington, replacing the typical blue seal, and the dark blue serial numbers on either side. The note’s layout otherwise mirrors standard $1 silver certificates, but this color change made the series unique and easily identifiable.

The reverse of the note carries the traditional back design of small-size $1 silver certificates from the 1935 series. It prominently displays the word “ONE” in bold, large type across the center, surrounded by intricate scrollwork and the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR.” The green ink on the back, known as the “greenback” style, is standard, but collectors immediately recognize the front’s yellow seal as the defining feature of this special issue. The simplicity of the reverse design contrasts with the wartime utility of the obverse, where the changes were deliberate for security reasons.

The purpose of issuing these notes was rooted in wartime security. By altering the seal color to yellow, the U.S. government ensured that if large quantities of notes fell into enemy hands, particularly in case of military setbacks in North Africa or Europe, they could be demonetized quickly by order of the Treasury. This would prevent captured U.S. currency from being used against American forces or undermining the economy of liberated territories. Fortunately, such drastic measures never needed to be taken, but the notes remain a tangible reminder of the wartime atmosphere and emergency planning of the 1940s.

The 1935A North Africa $1 Silver Certificate was issued beginning in 1942 and continued in circulation through the war years. These notes were primarily distributed to troops abroad and often saw extensive use in military theaters, which explains why well-worn examples are common today. Surviving notes in crisp Uncirculated condition are considerably scarcer, as most of the notes that returned from wartime circulation showed folds, stains, or other evidence of heavy handling. UNC examples with strong paper quality, original embossing, and no folds represent the top tier of preservation and command strong premiums.

In terms of collectibility, the 1935A North Africa $1 is considered one of the “must-have” emergency issues of World War II U.S. currency, alongside its counterpart, the Hawaii overprint notes. Its appeal lies not only in its distinctive appearance but also in its direct connection to one of the most dramatic periods of the 20th century. Collectors often pursue it as part of a type set of wartime emergency notes, and it also fits into collections of silver certificates and World War II memorabilia. Its affordability relative to scarcer wartime notes makes it accessible, but demand is consistent across grades, with UNC examples enjoying the highest demand.

In Uncirculated condition, the note displays bold, unfaded colors, with the yellow Treasury seal appearing vibrant and the blue serial numbers sharp and clear. The portrait of Washington and all surrounding details remain crisp, with no evidence of folds, bends, or circulation. Paper quality is bright and firm, retaining the original “crackling” sound of new currency, while margins are clean and even. Notes at this grade are highly desirable, representing the ideal state in which the note left the Bureau of Engraving and Printing more than 80 years ago.

Historically, the 1935A North Africa $1 note carries immense significance as a relic of the global conflict that defined an era. It tells the story of how the United States adapted its currency to wartime conditions, using both practicality and foresight to safeguard its monetary system. For modern collectors, owning an Uncirculated example is not just acquiring a piece of paper money—it is preserving a piece of history, tied to the lives of soldiers and the challenges of a world at war. The bright yellow seal remains one of the most recognizable symbols of this adaptation and makes the note instantly stand out in any collection.

Overall, the 1935A $1 North Africa Silver Certificate in UNC condition is a superb addition to any collection of U.S. currency. With its distinct wartime design, perfect preservation, and powerful historical context, it bridges the worlds of numismatics and history. Whether valued as a symbol of American resilience, as part of a specialized set of World War II emergency issues, or simply as one of the most distinctive silver certificates ever printed, this note remains a highly prized collectible in the field of U.S. paper money.