1917 $1 Dollar Large United States Note "Sawhorse" Reverse

The Series 1917 $1 Legal Tender Note is a classic and rarely-seen piece of U.S. currency. Issued in the large size of 7-3/8 by 3-1/8 inches (about 50 percent larger than today’s paper currency), its beautiful and ornate design reflects a time in American history when currency was not just money but also a work of art. This is the last $1 note to feature the famous “sawhorse” design on the reverse. Like all Legal Tender Notes, this bill also features a red seal and red serial numbers, as opposed to blue seals and serial numbers on Silver Certificates and green seals and serial numbers on Federal Reserve Notes.

Legal Tender Notes – also known as United States Notes – circulated in America along with other types of currency in the early 20th century. The first Legal Tender Notes were issued during the Civil War as a way for the U.S. government to pay its debts. Since there was not enough silver and gold coinage to go around, the government issued paper currency instead. Paper currency was also safer and less bulky to transport. This type of paper money was printed with the words “legal tender” to assure the recipients that it was legitimate and that the U.S. government would fulfill its obligation to pay.

The central image on the front of the Series of 1917 $1 Legal Tender Note is a portrait of George Washington. The portrait was based on a 1796 painting by Gilbert Stuart, one of America’s most renowned artists of the late 1700’s. Washington was in his second term as President when he sat for the portrait. The vignette on the left side of the note depicts details from the painting “Columbus Discovery of Land” by Charles Schussele. It shows Columbus and members of his crew aboard the flagship Santa Maria as they approached the New World for the first time in October 1492.

The back of the Series of 1917 $1 Legal Tender Note gives the note its nickname, the “sawhorse.” The large cross bearing the words “United States of America” has the appearance of a sawhorse used by carpenters and builders. Due to the green ink that was used to print the back, early currency notes like this were known as “greenbacks.”

This Series of 1917 $1 Legal Tender Note is a true piece of American currency history that is seldom encountered today. Each note is in highly collectible clean, fine condition.

(please note : image is for reference only, we cannot guarantee any specific serial # )