💵 $10 Silver Certificate Value Guide (1878–1953) — How Much Is Yours Worth?

$10 Silver Certificates are some of the most fascinating and collectible banknotes ever issued by the United States. Printed between 1878 and 1953, these notes came in both large-size and small-size formats, featuring iconic designs such as the Martha Washington, the Tombstone Note, and the 1923 Large Size Blue Seal.

Depending on the series and condition, your $10 Silver Certificate could be worth $20 — or over $50,000.

This guide breaks down everything collectors look for, including series, seal colors, star notes, varieties, errors, and condition.

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Quick Answer: What Is a $10 Silver Certificate Worth?

Most small-size $10 Silver Certificates (1934–1953) are worth $20–$60 in circulated grades.
Large-size $10 Silver Certificates (1878–1923) are worth hundreds to tens of thousands, depending on rarity and grade.

Here’s a fast value reference:

Series	Type	Typical Value	Rare High-End Value
1878, 1880	Large Size	$500–$5,000	$20,000+
1886	Large Size	$800–$6,000	$25,000+
1891	Tombstone Note	$400–$3,500	$15,000+
1901	Bison Note	$350–$2,500	$10,000+
1923	Last Large Size	$150–$1,200	$7,000+
1934	Small Size	$20–$60	$150+ (stars)
1953 & 1953A	Small Size	$20–$50	$100+ (stars)

The rest of this guide explains each series in detail so you can properly identify your note.

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What is a $10 Silver Certificate?

$10 Silver Certificates were once redeemable for $10 worth of silver, making them one of the most historically interesting types of U.S. currency.

They fall into two major categories:

1. Large Size Silver Certificates (1878–1923)

• Oversized notes
• Elaborate designs
• Rare and highly collectible
• Often worth thousands

2. Small Size Silver Certificates (1934–1953)

• Blue seal
• Same dimensions as modern U.S. bills
• Affordable and common in lower grades
• Stars and high-grade notes have premiums

Let’s break down each era.

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Large Size $10 Silver Certificates (1878–1923)

These are the most valuable and historically important issues.

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🟦 1878 & 1880 $10 Silver Certificates (“Martha Washington Note”)

These feature the portrait of Martha Washington, the only woman on U.S. paper money (excluding allegorical figures).

⭐ Value:

• Circulated: $500–$3,500
• High Grade: $5,000–$20,000
• Rare Signatures / Varieties: $25,000–$50,000+

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🟦 1886 $10 Silver Certificate (“Tombstone Note”)

Features Hendrick B. Wright in an oval frame resembling a tombstone — hence the nickname.

⭐ Value:

• Circulated: $800–$4,000
• Choice Uncirculated: $7,000+
• Rare Varieties: $25,000+

One of the most iconic and desired large-size U.S. notes.

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🟦 1891 $10 Silver Certificate

A redesigned version of the Tombstone Note with minor stylistic changes.

⭐ Value:

• Circulated: $400–$3,500
• High Grade: $10,000–$15,000+

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🟦 1901 $10 Silver Certificate (“Bison Note”)

A favorite among newer collectors.

⭐ Value:

• Circulated: $350–$2,500
• Uncirculated: $5,000–$10,000+

Iconic, beautifully engraved, and always in demand.

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🟦 1923 $10 Silver Certificate — The Last Large-Size Issue

The final year before the U.S. switched to small-size notes.

⭐ Value:

• Circulated: $150–$1,200
• High Grade: $3,500–$7,000+

These are surprisingly scarce compared to $1 and $5 notes of the same year.

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Small Size $10 Silver Certificates (1934–1953)

Much more common, but still popular with collectors.

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1934 $10 Silver Certificate Value

The first small-size $10 Silver Certificate.

⭐ Value:

• Circulated: $20–$40
• Uncirculated: $60–$120
• Star Notes: $100–$250+
• High-Grade Stars: $300+

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1934A, 1934B, 1934C Series Values

These are very similar in appearance and value.

⭐ Value:

• Circulated: $20–$35
• Uncirculated: $50–$100
• Star Notes: $80–$220

These are great starter pieces for new collectors.

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1953 & 1953A $10 Silver Certificate Value

The final years of $10 Silver Certificates before silver redemption ended.

⭐ Value:

• Circulated: $20–$50
• Uncirculated: $40–$85
• Star Notes: $100–$250

These are some of the most affordable small-sized $10 silver notes.

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Star Notes — The Biggest Premiums

Star notes indicate a replacement note, which is automatically more collectible.

🔍 How to Identify

Look for a ★ at the end of the serial number.

⭐ Value Range:

• Small-size stars: $80–$300
• Large-size stars: $1,500–$25,000+
• High-grade stars: can exceed $30,000

Large-size star notes are extremely rare.

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How to Identify If Your $10 Silver Certificate Is Rare

Check the following traits:

✔ Series Year

Anything pre-1923 could be worth thousands.

✔ Condition

Crisp Uncirculated notes bring the biggest premiums.

✔ Serial Numbers

Low numbers, radars, ladders, repeaters, etc., increase value.

✔ Star Notes

Star = higher value.

✔ Block / Plate Variants

Some blocks are significantly scarcer.

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Rare Varieties & Errors

Some of the rarest include:

• Misaligned seals
• Overprints
• Inverted serial numbers
• Double denomination errors

Values range from $100 to $10,000+, depending on rarity and severity.

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Should You Grade Your $10 Silver Certificate?

Definitely grade the note if:

• It’s large-size
• It’s Uncirculated
• It’s a star note
• It’s worth over $300

PMG and PCGS certifications can significantly increase the sale price.

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Where to Sell a $10 Silver Certificate

Recommended platforms:

• rareusbanknotes.com
• eBay (Auctions perform well)
• Heritage Auctions (for high-end notes)
• Stack’s Bowers
• Collector forums
• Facebook numismatic groups

High-value notes should always be sold through a major auction house.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are $10 Silver Certificates rare?

Large-size versions are very rare; small-size versions are common.

Can I redeem them for silver?

No — silver redemption ended in 1968.

Are they still legal tender?

Yes, but they should not be spent due to collector value.

What is the most valuable $10 Silver Certificate?

High-grade 1880, 1886, and 1896 varieties can exceed $50,000.

Do star notes add value?

Yes — especially for large-size issues, which can be worth tens of thousands more.

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Conclusion

$10 Silver Certificates offer an incredible range of collectible opportunities — from affordable small-size blue seal notes to extremely rare 19th-century masterpieces worth five figures. Identifying your note’s series, rarity markers, grade, and star designation is key to determining its true value.

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