1934 $5 Silver Certificate Value
The 1934 $5 silver certificate carries Lincoln on the face, the Lincoln Memorial on the back, and a blue Treasury seal. It was printed across five series letters, 1934 through 1934D, spanning the Depression and the war years.
These are common in circulated grades and modestly scarce uncirculated. Expect around ten dollars for a worn note and the high double digits for a crisp one. The wartime yellow seal variant is the exception and is worth substantially more.
Quick facts
- Type
- Silver Certificate
- Series
- 1934, 1934A, 1934B, 1934C, 1934D
- Seal and serials
- Blue (yellow on North Africa notes)
- Portrait
- Abraham Lincoln
- Back
- Lincoln Memorial
1934 $5 Silver Certificate value by condition
| Condition | Estimated value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Well worn | $7 to $10 | |
| Lightly circulated | $10 to $18 | |
| About uncirculated | $25 to $45 | |
| Crisp uncirculated | $45 to $110 | |
| Star note, circulated | $20 to $60 | |
| Star note, uncirculated | $100 to $500 | 1934B and 1934C stars are scarce |
| 1934A yellow seal, North Africa | $60 to $700+ |
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- Estimates a value range by condition
- Works on US and world banknotes
Blue seal versus yellow seal
The standard 1934 $5 silver certificate has a blue seal. A small wartime printing used a yellow seal instead, issued to US forces in North Africa and the Mediterranean so the currency could be voided if it fell into enemy hands.
Yellow seal fives are 1934A series. They are not subtle: the seal is clearly gold-yellow against the blue-seal norm. If you have one, it is worth many times a standard note in the same grade.
Series letters and relative scarcity
1934 and 1934A are the common letters and account for most of what circulates. 1934B, 1934C, and 1934D had smaller runs, and their star notes in particular are hard to find in high grade.
As always the letter sits immediately after the series year to the right of the portrait, and on a worn note it can be difficult to read. Get it right before comparing prices, because the spread between letters in uncirculated grade is significant.
What condition means at this price level
A 1934 $5 that has been in circulation shows it: soft paper, rounded corners, ink transfer along the folds. That is a ten dollar note and there is nothing to be done about it.
An uncirculated example has stiff paper that snaps, sharp corners, and full original embossing where the plate pressed into the paper. Run a fingertip lightly across the serial number; on an uncirculated note you can feel the raised ink.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 1934 $5 silver certificate worth anything?
Yes, but modestly. Circulated examples are worth roughly double face value. Uncirculated notes, scarce series letters, star notes, and the yellow seal North Africa variant are where the real money is.
What is the yellow seal on some 1934 $5 bills?
A wartime emergency issue for the North African campaign. The distinctive seal let the Treasury demonetize the notes if large quantities were captured. They are scarce and command a strong premium.
Can I still exchange it for silver?
No. Silver redemption ended in 1968. The note is legal tender for five dollars and worth whatever collectors pay above that.