Michael P. writes: I have found an 1908 $10.00 silver certificate with a person named Hendricks on the face of the bill and blue seals on the front. What is the history of this bill and its value? Thanks.
You have a series 1908 $10 silver certificate (Blue “X” on face). This design is the successor to the 1886 and 1891 series of this note.
Thomas A. Hendricks was Vice-President of the U.S. in 1865. He is not well known to us as he only held the office for only nine months and passed away November 25, 1865 in Indianapolis where he spent most of his academic and political life. The portrait was engraved by Charles Schlecht. Because of the shape of the border around the portrait, the note is known by collectors as the “Tombstone note”.
Currency is not dated every year like coins but has a series date. The actual date range depends on the signature combinations. There are three signatories for the 1908 series. Vernon-Treat, Vernon-McClung and Parker-Burke.
The condition (grade) of the note is very important in relation to value as competition is greatest for the highest grade examples. Value Range between Fine – Unc: approximately $80 – $2,500.
