In a surprising modern twist, a 1963B $1 Federal Reserve Note, signed by Secretary of the Treasury Joseph W. Barr, quietly surfaced in the change drawer of a small used bookstore.
The staff, unaware of its significance, eventually sold it at auction for $4,000—a far cry from its historic $1 face value.
Who Was Joseph W. Barr—and Why This Note Matters
- Joseph Barr served as Treasury Secretary for only 28 days (December 21, 1968 – January 20, 1969), making his signature one of the shortest-lived in U.S. currency history.
- The 1963B series is the only Federal Reserve Note bearing Barr’s signature—replacing Silver Certificates and preceding Kathryn O’Hay Granahan’s signature on later 1963C notes.
- Initial collector hype assumed scarcity would translate to value. Reality shows circulated examples are common, though Uncirculated and Star Notes remain rarer.
How the Bookstore Discovery Unfolded
- Found in till: An employee noticed the green seal read “Barr” instead of silver.
- Incidentally listed online: Posted to a small collectors’ group, the listing caught the eye of a currency enthusiast.
- Authentication & grading: Sent to PMG for grading—arrived as an EPQ Gem Uncirculated 65 note with original signatures intact.
- Auction result: The certified note sold for $4,000, driven by condition, signature rarity, and professional grading.
1963B Barr Note Values by Grade & Type
| Grade/Type | Value Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated (Good–F‑VF) | $2–$5 | Common in average condition |
| Uncirculated (CU‑EPQ) | $15–$50 | Crisp without damage |
| PMG 65 EPQ UNC (this find) | $3,500–$4,500 | Premium grade, exceptional quality |
| Star Note UNC | $30–$150 | Replacement note rarity/serial |
Why This Particular Note Sold So High
- Superior grade (65 EPQ): Far above average circulated examples.
- First-generation Barr note: No Granahan or Dillon signatures follow on this note.
- Provenance & surprise factor: Clear story of discovery adds allure.
- Certified quality and authenticated signatures: Market trusts grading accuracy.
Collector Context: Barr Notes Then & Now
- Mechanical rarity: Approximately 5–6 Federal Reserve districts printed Barr notes, making distribution wide but non-specific to location.
- Common in pockets: Despite rarity myths, circulated Barr notes remain common—valued at $2–$5.
- High-grade scarcity: Gem uncirculated and star notes are the only types commanding real premiums.
Barr Note Series Overview
| Series | Signatures | Circulation Era | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1963A | C. Douglas Dillon – Kenneth Harrison | Late ’63–early ’64 | Common FRNs; no Barr signature |
| 1963B | Joseph W. Barr – Kathryn Granahan | Dec ’68 – Jan ’69 | Only Barr signature; key to collector value |
| 1963C | Granahan – Granahan | Post-Jan ’69 | Common Granahan notes, no Barr signature |
How to Spot & Preserve a Valuable Barr Note
- Look at the signature block: “United States” with Barr / Granahan signatures.
- Check for EPQ: Exceptional Paper Quality prevents tampering.
- Inspect serial number: Star notes (* suffix) or low digits are more collectible.
- Store properly: Use archival sleeves, climate-controlled storage, and avoid folds or creases.
Market Outlook: What Comes Next?
- Expect $3,000–$5,000 for certified PMG/PCGS 65+ Barr notes.
- Star note premiums? Likely double or triple, varying with condition.
- Circ market steady in the $5–$15 range.
- Provenance matters: Notes with documented history (like bookstore finds) tend to sell stronger.
The unlikely discovery of a 1963B Barr $1 note in a humble bookstore highlighted how common currency can be exceptional in the right condition and context.
With Barr’s fleeting term and this note’s Gem UNC PMG 65 EPQ grade, it outsold expectations at $4,000. It’s a potent reminder: even everyday items can be hidden treasures when unexpected stories meet top-tier preservation.
FAQs
Q1: What makes a Barr note valuable?
Mostly the grade (Gem Uncirculated) and signature rarity; circulated notes are common and low value.
Q2: Are star Barr notes scarce?
Yes—star notes carry extra value due to rarity and often sell for $30–$150 uncirculated.
Q3: Is certification necessary?
Absolutely. Grading by PMG/PCGS EPQ is essential for authenticity and significantly impacts market price.