The $1 Dollar Legal Tender Note, series of 1917 was the all-time favorite note by its classic and ornate design printed by The Bureau, Engraving & Printing Company. It was released in the same year with the last large size 1917 $2 Two Dollars Bill.
A Closer Look At The Front and Back Of The 1917 $1 Legal Tender Note
Ornate Design of the 1917 $1 Legal Tender Note SAWHORSE
On the left side of the 1917 $1's obverse was a depiction of Christopher Columbus and his crew member making first the sight of land. At the center was the large vignette of George Washington – The first president of the U.S., the father of our country. The President's portrait also displayed on the $1 bill dates back to 1869 on the $1 “Rainbow Note” and continues to the present day on the $1 Federal Reserve Note.
From the top-right The numeral "1" is in highly stylized scrollwork indicating the denomination besides the words “THIS NOTE IS A LEGAL FOR ONE DOLLAR” are printed on the note to assure the recipient that the note is legal for all public and private debt on the centered top.
The serial numbers are repeated two times on the center-right and bottom left. The red scalloped seal at the center-left with the over-print “Washington. D.C” printed with bolded black ink.
Exploring The Sawhorse Reverse
From the reverse, The words “United States of America” are engraved inside the letter X making this note famous with the numismatic nickname "Sawhorse Reverse". There is a quote describing the obligation for all the legal tender note from the right-hand side. The denomination also is highly stylized by numeral and letters appear in each of the four corners.
There are five varieties of signature combinations for the 1917 $1 Legal Tender Note. Most of them came from the Fr.39. The Fr.37a which is the signature combination of Burke/Elliot is the scarcest.
Although it was issued in the beginning of the 1900s. However, these Legal Tender Notes are very common from Good all the way up to Gem Uncirculated. We can easily locate some of these examples from the showcase at any local coin shop.
The 1917 $1 Legal Tender Note SAWHORSE remains an all-time favorite among collectors for its classic, ornate design and its placein American currency history. Its distinct elements, such as the "Sawhorse Reverse," George Washington's portrait, and the unique signature combinations, make it a sought-after item for both experienced and new numismatists.
