This wooden plaque has two sides with an edging marking the front of the block. Mounted on the front is a one dollar bill with the identification number A54957770A. It has been adhered to the wood with a clear substance, or wood stain, so the bill is visible. There are remnants at the top of the bill of tape and they are a little rougher. The dollar itself is ripped at the top and bottom. The upper rip has a little piece missing so part of the word at the top is no longer legible. The bottom rip is directly across from the top one, right below the world "One." The dollar is closer to the wood color and the middle of the bill, surrounding Washington's head, is darker, almost a purple color.

The wood itself is nicked in a couple of places on the front. There is a larger gauge in the upper right corner that appears right next to the bill. Another larger dent is on the bottom and extends into the dollar where the bottom piece is missing. There is a thrid dink on the right side just from use.

On the back there is an inscription centered and carved into the wood. It reads "This is the first dollar taken in on the first day of business in opening the Alex's Sweet Shop 6823 W. Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn ILL on August 1928-" In the lower righthand corner it is signed "June 10, 1972, Gus Rassocianis." Around the edges of the wood are areas of stain that dripped and some blue substance on the left. Attached to the top middle is a metal fixture so the dollar can be hung.

Paulina Franks' grandfather, John Rassogianis, came to Chicago in the 1890s. He began his life in the new city by peddling fruits and later, with the help of his sons Alex and George, opened a candy store. In the 1920s Paulina Franks' father Constantine became a part of the family business and the store was able to prosper. When the second business closed Paulina Rassogianis chose to keep as many of the candy store's items as possible and, later, donate them to the National Hellenic Museum.

The Rassogianis family began their candy business in Chicago proper, working out of their own shop named "St. Louis Ice Cream Parlor." Eventually, the shop was closed and the Rassogianis' chose to continue their candy store venture in Berwyn, Illinois. The new shop they chose to open was named Alex's Sweet Shop.

Paulina Franks' father was a key contributor to the success of the Rassogianis' candy stores. While Constantine Rassogianis was a noteworthy entrepeneur, he also had many other accomplishments. Among these was his four years of involvment in the Greek national military during World War I wherein he obtained the rank of sergeant. Also, he was a published author and poet, an experienced mandolin player, a church officer and had extensive knowledge of psalti.

This dollar originaled in the Rassogianis' collection on the day Alex's Sweet Shop opened in Berwyn IL during the year1928. It was the first dollar made at the opening of their shop.

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