Jane D.S. writes: How is the value of a U.S. bill affected by the autograph of the Treasurer, for instance, above his/her signature? I am especially wondering about a $1 bill, 1935D silver certificate, signed by Georgia Neese Clark and John W. Snyder, and autographed by Georgia Neese Clark above her signature.
It was quite usual in the period between 1934 to the late 50’s for The Treasurer of the United States to autograph notes above the printed signature. The position is honorary. It seems that the honorary treasurers get a kick out of autographing notes so there is a good number of them out there.
Does the autograph add numismatic value? It depends on who you talk to. Paper money purists hate autographs and consider autographed notes to be damaged goods. Other collectors find the autograph to be historically interesting and are willing to pay a small premium above what ever the value was without the autograph.
I once came across a Federal Reserve Note with Henry H. Fowlers autograph. It was an Number 1 note, first note printed for that Federal Reserve Bank and series. The note brought a good price but probably would have brought more if it hadn’t been autographed. Fowler used a dark black pen with a broad stroke to sign his name, obliterating most of the right side of the note.
