-
Inventory:
OUT OF STOCK
- Product ID: 19776
Checkout
The 1981A $1 Federal Reserve Note in Crisp Uncirculated (CU) condition represents a continuation of the U.S. Treasury's commitment to consistent, dependable currency design and fiscal policy during the early 1980s. Following closely after the standard 1981 series, the 1981A issue is primarily distinguished by its updated signature combination—signifying a new Treasury administration—and by its chronological position amid a backdrop of growing economic challenges in the United States. The note retains all hallmark design features of the modern $1 bill, including the portrait of George Washington, green Treasury seal, and symbolic reverse featuring the Great Seal of the United States. In CU condition, the note has never been folded or circulated, maintaining full paper crispness, perfect ink quality, and pristine corners, making it a desirable example for collectors seeking both quality and historical context.
The face of the 1981A $1 Federal Reserve Note showcases the enduring image of George Washington at center, surrounded by an ornate border and inscriptions identifying the note as a legal obligation of the U.S. government. “Federal Reserve Note” appears across the top, emphasizing its function as fiat currency under the authority of the Federal Reserve System. Beneath the portrait, the phrase “This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private” affirms its nationwide acceptability. In CU condition, the paper is bright and free from handling, and every detail of the finely engraved design is razor-sharp, with deep black intaglio ink producing rich contrast and tactile depth.
The 1981A note features the green Treasury seal on the right side and matching green serial numbers at the upper left and lower right of the note. These serials begin with a letter corresponding to one of the twelve Federal Reserve Banks—ranging from “A” for Boston to “L” for San Francisco—and conclude with a final control letter. A second seal, black in color, appears to the left of the portrait and denotes the issuing Federal Reserve District. In CU specimens, these seals and serial numbers are uniformly printed, with crisp lines and no misalignment or ink bleeding. The note's layout reflects precision engraving, with all elements perfectly centered and symmetrically placed on the paper.
The 1981A series was signed by U.S. Treasurer Angela M. Buchanan and Secretary of the Treasury Donald T. Regan. This updated signature combination succeeded that of the 1981 series and distinguishes the note within the broader family of late 20th-century Federal Reserve Notes. Both signatures are printed in finely rendered script, located beneath Washington’s portrait, and remain clean and unbroken in CU examples. Angela Buchanan, known as “Bay” Buchanan, was notable for her youth and political stature, while Donald Regan later became President Reagan’s Chief of Staff. Their presence on the 1981A note links this issue to the early Reagan administration and its evolving economic policies.
The reverse of the note retains the well-established design used since 1935, featuring the Great Seal of the United States. The left side displays the Eye of Providence above an unfinished pyramid, flanked by the Latin phrases “Annuit Coeptis” and “Novus Ordo Seclorum.” On the right, the eagle clutches arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing both war and peace, beneath the national motto “E Pluribus Unum.” In between the two images is the large word “ONE,” serving as both denomination and central design anchor. In CU condition, the green ink is fully saturated, and all lines in the engraved artwork are crisp and unmarred by creases, dirt, or discoloration.
The 1981A series was printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's primary facility in Washington, D.C., and later at the Western Currency Facility in Fort Worth, although Fort Worth did not begin operation until 1991 and thus is not applicable to this issue. The BEP used traditional offset and intaglio printing techniques to ensure security and clarity, with each note printed on a cotton-linen blend paper embedded with blue and red security fibers. CU examples of the 1981A note retain the original texture, stiffness, and paper brightness expected from notes directly off the printing press. These notes are free from folds, bends, tears, stains, or corner rounding, and display full margins and unbroken embossing.
Though produced in substantial quantities across all twelve Federal Reserve Districts, 1981A notes in CU condition remain appealing to collectors for their freshness and collectible potential. Many entered circulation and were used extensively, especially in the early 1980s when inflation and economic uncertainty led to high money velocity. As a result, perfectly preserved examples are relatively scarce in the marketplace compared to their overall production. Star notes—indicated by a star replacing the final letter of the serial number—are even scarcer and highly prized in CU condition, often commanding significant premiums over standard notes.
CU notes from this series are particularly sought after by collectors who build district sets, type sets by signature combination, or note collections by decade. Those pursuing high-grade collections value the 1981A issue as a bridge between the early post-gold standard era and the firmly established fiat currency system. While not rare in lower grades, CU examples with strong centering, dark ink impressions, and even borders are increasingly hard to find outside of sealed packs or carefully curated collections. Collectors often submit such notes to grading services like PCGS Banknote or PMG for certification, where they can receive designations such as Gem CU or Superb Gem CU based on centering and overall quality.
Historically, the issuance of the 1981A note coincides with a period of transition and transformation in the U.S. economy. With Reaganomics and deregulation policies beginning to take effect, these notes represent a time of shifting economic philosophies and approaches to federal fiscal management. The continued issuance of small-size $1 notes in a familiar design also reflects the enduring popularity and functionality of the denomination in everyday commerce, even as other denominations saw design updates in subsequent decades.
In summary, the 1981A $1 Federal Reserve Note in Crisp Uncirculated condition is a superb representative of Reagan-era U.S. currency. It retains all the visual and physical attributes of a freshly issued note—sharp ink, immaculate surfaces, strong embossing, and firm corners—while offering historical insight through its signatures and design continuity. Whether pursued as part of a larger type set, district set, or simply for its condition, the 1981A CU note offers collectors an accessible yet meaningful example of late 20th-century American paper money. With proper care and storage, it will remain a lasting piece of currency history for years to come.