PMG Registry Featured Set: Silver Certificates

As reported recently, two unique PMG-graded Silver Certificates sold for a total of more than $750,000. Silver Certificate notes have a strong foothold in US numismatic history and are among the most popular sets in the PMG Registry. Let's look at a top-ranked, comprehensive PMG Silver Certificate set, by Tim Messerley, here.

Two acts of Congress, one in 1878 and one in 1886, authorized all Silver Certificates that were issued, both large and small. This PMG Registry set type covers the range of the extensive Large Size series from 1878 to 1923. Although Tim’s set was created just months ago, he has managed to procure the coveted No. 1 rank in the PMG Registry with some truly lovely examples of these remarkable notes. The slideshow is comprehensive and should not be missed. With images of 41 notes, it is a pictorial walk-through of the evolution of these notes, from the very first issue to the final $50.

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For example, the 1899 $2 Silver Certificate graded PMG 66 Gem Uncirculated EPQ features George Washington flanked by the figures of Mechanics and Agriculture. The 1899 notes are known for, among other attributes, the blue seal and various signature combinations. This example has Parker and Burke signatures, along with a nearly Solid-4 Serial Number, which collectors everywhere are sure to appreciate.

Tim’s set presents many notes that are high in the PMG Population Report. In fact, there are only two notes graded higher than his 1880 $20 Silver Certificate graded PMG 53 About Uncirculated! This note has the distinctive black reverse, in contrast to most conventional US paper money.

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Every note in this set tells a different story and is worthy of admiration as a piece of numismatic history. Thank you, Tim Messerley, for sharing your novel collection for the PMG community to enjoy. The 2025 PMG Registry annual award race is on! It will be interesting to see what happens with this set and many others. We look forward to seeing what updates our valued PMG collectors have in store for us, as the June 1 deadline quickly approaches.

Remember, this year, the PMG Registry annual awards are at the 2025 Summer ANA! This transition means there is more time to get your sets ready for the next award period. Winners of 2025 PMG Registry Awards receive a personalized plaque, an icon of recognition next to their PMG Registry set and a $500 PMG grading credit. Check out our exciting announcement here about the upcoming annual awards.

Would you like your set to be chosen for a future article? 100% completion in a set is not always feasible. Our team features sets with thoughtful comments and images for their set descriptions and notes. It may be your set! Stay tuned.

Thank you all for your continued support of the PMG Registry, the world’s finest online collecting platform for paper money. The PMG Registry is a free online resource where collectors register and display their certified notes and can compete against other collectors around the world for recognition and prizes. This popular resource now boasts more than 24,000 registered sets and more than 136,000 registered notes.

Questions or comments? The PMG Registry team is here to help. To learn more about the PMG Registry, click here.