1953 to 1963 $5 Red Seal United States Notes

Is mine a 1953 or a 1963?

Flip it over. A 1963 has IN GOD WE TRUST above the Lincoln Memorial. A 1953 series note has no motto. On the front both have the smaller red seal on the right side, which is the easy way to tell them from the 1928 series, where the seal sits on the left.

Then read the series near Lincoln's portrait and the signatures. The 1953C and 1963 share the same pair, Granahan and Dillon, so the motto on the back is how you separate them.

Series 1953 and 1963 $5 United States notes: signatures

Why is there no 1963A $5 red seal?

The $5 United States note ended with Series 1963. When Henry Fowler replaced Douglas Dillon as Secretary in 1965, a $2 1963A was printed with the new signature, but there was no matching $5. In August 1966 the Treasury discontinued both the $2 and $5 United States notes. If someone offers you a 1963A red seal $5, ask to see it closely, because it doesn't exist as a regular issue.

Which of these $5 notes are worth more?

As regular notes, all five are common. The 1953 had the biggest run and the 1953C the smallest, so a crisp 1953C draws a bit more interest. The 1963 was printed in large numbers.

Star notes are the main prize. Look at the front of the serial number; on these notes the star takes the place of the first letter. Stars exist for every series here. The 1953C star had a very small run and is the one to hope for. Stars from 1953, 1953A, 1953B and 1963 are scarcer than regular notes but turn up regularly.

How much difference does condition make?

A lot, because these notes are common enough that collectors can be picky. A folded, soft note sits at the bottom of the small premium band. A note that's crisp with one fold is better. A fully uncirculated note, with stiff paper, bright ink and sharp corners, is the one collectors actually compete for.

Many 1963 notes were saved fresh from the bank, sometimes in consecutive runs. If you have several in a row, keep them together. A run of crisp consecutive red seals is more appealing than the same notes broken up and a buyer can easily check whether any star or fancy number is among them.

• Don't flatten notes under books or with an iron
• Don't erase pencil marks; erasing scuffs the surface
• Store flat in archival sleeves, away from heat, light and damp

How can I check that it's real?

Red seal $5s aren't a common counterfeit target, but novelty copies exist. Genuine currency paper is a cotton and linen blend with small red and blue fibers you can see under a magnifier. The portrait has fine, crisp lines with no dots or blur. The red seal's points around the edge are sharp and even. If the paper feels like printer paper or the colors look washed out, have a dealer take a look.

What should I do with a red seal $5?

If it's worn, it's a fine keepsake, especially as a gift to a young collector, or it can go to a dealer with other notes for a modest premium. If it's crisp, a star or a 1953C, ask for individual offers. Red seal $5s are legal tender, so a bank will accept them, but that's the least they're worth, not what they're worth.

Frequently asked questions