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- Product ID: 19778
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The 1988A $1 Federal Reserve Note in Crisp Uncirculated (CU) condition represents an important transitional issue in modern American paper currency. It bridges the earlier Federal Reserve Note designs of the 1970s and early 1980s with the era of dual-facility production that began in earnest in the late 1980s. Issued during the presidency of George H. W. Bush and the tail end of Ronald Reagan’s administration, the 1988A series reflects both economic stability and the continuing reliance on the traditional design of the $1 note. Though it maintains the classic portrait of George Washington and the familiar layout first introduced in the 1963 series, the 1988A note is especially notable for being among the earliest series printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s Western Currency Facility in Fort Worth, Texas. In CU condition, this note is free from any folds, creases, dirt, or signs of handling, with full paper crispness and bold, clean printing.
The obverse of the 1988A $1 Federal Reserve Note features the enduring central portrait of George Washington, engraved with deep precision and surrounded by intricate filigree. At the top of the note appears the title “Federal Reserve Note,” clearly identifying it as part of the fiat currency system under the authority of the Federal Reserve. Above Washington’s portrait are the words “The United States of America,” and below is the legal statement: “This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private.” In CU condition, these inscriptions are deeply impressed, and every line of the intaglio print retains its original texture and bold clarity. The black engraving ink is rich and deeply set, giving the note a three-dimensional tactile quality when untouched by wear.
The serial numbers on the 1988A note are printed in green ink, positioned at the upper left and lower right of the note’s face. These begin with a letter identifying the issuing Federal Reserve District, followed by eight numerical digits and a final suffix letter. The note also bears two seals: the green U.S. Treasury seal on the right side and the black Federal Reserve Bank seal on the left, with the district’s identifying number and name. In CU examples, these features are all perfectly aligned, with no bleeding, fading, or misregistration. The note’s margins are even, and the serial numbers are sharply printed in vibrant color, indicating no degradation due to handling or environmental exposure.
The 1988A series was signed by Treasury Secretary Nicholas F. Brady and Treasurer Catalina Vásquez Villalpando, both appointed during the George H. W. Bush administration. This signature pairing helps collectors distinguish the 1988A notes from other closely dated series, such as 1985 and 1993. Catalina Vásquez Villalpando was the first Hispanic woman to serve as Treasurer, adding historical significance to this issue. On CU specimens, both signatures are fully struck with precision, exhibiting no signs of wear or fading, further validating the note’s untouched condition.
The reverse of the 1988A $1 note continues the traditional design introduced with the 1935 series, featuring the Great Seal of the United States. On the left, the Eye of Providence hovers above an unfinished pyramid, with the Latin mottoes “Annuit Coeptis” and “Novus Ordo Seclorum.” On the right, the eagle clutches arrows and an olive branch beneath the motto “E Pluribus Unum.” The word “ONE” dominates the central space in large stylized letters, surrounded by scrollwork and flanked by the inscriptions “The United States of America” and “One Dollar.” In CU condition, every line in this intricate engraving remains clearly visible, with the green ink vibrant and fully intact. No smudging, discoloration, or paper loss is present, and the texture of the ink can still be felt when gently handled under proper archival conditions.
The 1988A notes were printed at both the traditional BEP Washington, D.C. facility and the newly opened Western Currency Facility in Fort Worth. Notes printed in Fort Worth are identifiable by a small “FW” preceding the plate position number in the lower right corner of the note’s face. These are the first small-size $1 notes to bear this Fort Worth indicator, adding an additional layer of collectibility for series variety specialists. CU notes from both facilities are highly desirable, though early Fort Worth examples are often pursued for type sets due to their historical printing distinction.
Despite high production volumes for the 1988A series, most notes quickly entered circulation and were used heavily in commerce. As a result, high-grade CU examples with strong centering, sharp corners, and no handling marks are less common than their production numbers suggest. The notes were printed on a durable cotton-linen blend paper with embedded red and blue security fibers. CU notes retain this firm texture, with no signs of softness, corner wear, pinholes, or discoloration. Paper wave and embossing are evident under angled light, indicating an untouched surface and original press pressure from the intaglio process.
Collectors appreciate 1988A $1 notes in CU condition for multiple reasons. Some pursue complete district sets, acquiring examples from each of the twelve Federal Reserve Banks. Others seek out special serial numbers, such as low numbers, radars, repeaters, or star notes (identified by a star in place of the suffix letter). Fort Worth notes, particularly those from the early print runs or in combination with star serials, command a premium over standard Washington, D.C. issues. Certified examples in CU condition graded by third-party services such as PMG or PCGS Banknote can achieve Gem CU or Superb Gem CU designations if centering and visual appeal are exceptional.
The 1988A series is also historically relevant as it was issued just before several significant changes to U.S. currency design began in the 1990s, such as anti-counterfeiting features and portrait enlargements introduced in higher denominations. The $1 note, however, retained its traditional design, making the 1988A series among the last true representatives of the classical Federal Reserve Note layout in widespread pre-modern use. For many collectors, the 1988A issue is a nostalgic and affordable example of a bygone era in American currency, while still being contemporary enough to form part of an introductory collection or a more advanced set.
In conclusion, the 1988A $1 Federal Reserve Note in Crisp Uncirculated condition embodies both historical continuity and a key transitional point in modern U.S. currency production. With its classic design, notable signature pair, and distinction as one of the first series produced at the Fort Worth facility, it holds strong appeal among collectors of U.S. paper money. In top condition, these notes represent a well-preserved piece of monetary history, rich in symbolism, precision, and the enduring iconography of the American dollar.