1 Dollar, Silver Certificate, United States, 1896

One (1) dollar note

United States, 1896

Obverse Image: In the foreground, a woman and child representing History instructing Youth. The Constitution at right side and U.S. Capitol and Washington Monument in background. The names of various Americans surround the edge of the note.

Obverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / HISTORY INSTRUCTING YOUTH. / THIS CERTIFIES THAT THERE HAS BEEN DEPOSITED IN THE TREASURY OF THE UNITED STATES ONE SILVER DOLLAR PAYABLE TO THE BEARER ON DEMAND. / WASHINGTON, D.C. / SERIES OF 1896. / 117 / ACT OF AUG. 4, 1886. / SILVER CERTIFICATE / BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING

Reverse Image: Portraits of Martha and George Washington,

Reverse Text: UNITED STATES SILVER CERTIFICATE / ONE DOLLAR / THIS CERTIFICATE IS RECEIVABLE FOR CUSTOMS TAXES AND ALL PUBLIC DUES AND WHEN SO RESERVED MAY BE REISSUED. BUREAU OF ENGRAVING & PRINTING.

The U.S. government released a series of silver certificates in 1896 with neoclassical designs. They are considered to be among the most beautiful American notes ever printed. These notes are often referred to as the “Educational Series.” The one dollar note depicts the allegorical figure of History instructing Youth. The two dollar note depicts the figure of Science presenting the children, Steam and Electricity, to the adults, Commerce and Manufacture. The figure of Electricity also appears on the five dollar note, but there she has matured into a powerful woman of influence.

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