1935 Babe Ruth Signed Silver Certificate

One-dollar Silver Certificate (Series 1935B) signed by Babe Ruth in blue fountain pen (grading "8/9") on the front. While a dollar bill might seem to be a very unlikely item to have signed, and few examples for Ruth exist (this is the first authentic example we have seen in years), there is a very logical explanation for how and why a person would have Ruth sign currency. People often encountered Ruth unexpectedly, either on the street, at a railroad station, at a restaurant, etc., and during those chance meetings, an autograph was always a souvenir that was practical and requested, and Ruth was always happy to oblige. But often there was no ball or photo or sometimes anything to sign. Most people at least had a dollar bill with them, and this came in handy for signing on at least a few occasions. All Ruth signed dollar bills are extremely rare. This is an all-the-more unusual and rare example as it is a Silver Certificate. Silver Certificates, which could be redeemed for their equivalent value in silver at the time, were common during the 1930s, especially one-dollar notes. Congress abolished Silver Certificates in 1963 and all redemption in silver ended in 1968, but they are still legal tender today. The offered bill was heavily circulated and displays numerous creases and folds associated with its former use. In Good condition. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA, with the signature designated as "Authentic" (neither the bill nor the signature are graded by the company). Additional LOA from James Spence/JSA. Reserve $1,000. Estimate (open). SOLD FOR $3,525

Spring 2009 - Item detail

1935 Babe Ruth Signed Silver Certificate