Rarity of $5 notes and their price The $5 note is a common currency in the US, but some rare editions and printing mistakes have made them extremely valuable collection items. Many collectors and enthusiasts are willing to pay a large sum for these unique notes.
Here we will discuss nine such special $5 notes that have achieved great prices at auction.
1. 1929 – $5 note from First National Bank of Aransas Pass, Texas This note was in ‘Uncirculated 64’ condition and sold for $3,360.
The main reason for its price is its excellent preservation and the rarity of the bank that issued it.
2. 1875 – $5 note from First National Bank of Dallas, Texas This note was in ‘Very Good to Fine’ condition and sold for $8,165.
The specialty of this note is its historical significance and the red seal on it, which made it popular among collectors.
3. 1902 – National Bank of Garland, Texas $5 note This note sold for $1,380 in ‘Fine to Very Fine’ condition. This note features President Benjamin Harrison and is rare due to being issued from the Garland bank.
4. 1882 – Farmers National Bank of Hempstead, Texas $5 note This note sold for $4,140 in a ‘Very Good 8’ grade. It is worth a lot of money due to its historical background and limited number issued.
5. 1861 – Petersburg, Virginia – City of Petersburg Bank $5 note This note sold for $240 in ‘Very Fine’ condition. Its design, especially being issued during the Civil War period, makes it a prized possession for collectors.
6. 1899 – $5 Silver Certificate (“Indian Chief Note”) This note, called the “Indian Chief Note,” sold for $5,400 in a ‘Gem New 65’ (fine condition) grade. It features the image of a Sioux Chief Running Antelope and is the only U.S. currency to feature a Native American chief by name.
7. 1934 – $5 Silver Certificate This note sold for $402 in ‘Mint State 64’ (extremely good condition). Its low serial number and wide margins increased its value.
8. 1907 – $5 Legal Tender (“Woodchopper Note”) This note sold for $11,500 in a ‘New 62’ (new condition) grade. Its unique design and eight-digit serial number make it extremely rare and attractive.
9. 1995 – $5 Federal Reserve Note (with error) This note in ‘Almost Uncirculated 58’ condition sold for $4,312.50. It had a major printing mistake, where the overprint was applied incorrectly. This mistake makes this note extremely valuable. Conclusion If you have old or rare $5 notes, they may be a treasure trove.
These notes are in high demand among collectors, especially if they are rare editions, serial numbers or have printing errors. So, make sure to check out the notes you have. Who knows, you might even own a valuable note!
Year | Description | Grade | Sale Price |
---|---|---|---|
1929 | First National Bank of Aransas Pass, TX | Uncirculated 64 | $3,360 |
1875 | First National Bank of Dallas, TX | VG-Fine | $8,165 |
1902 | National Bank of Garland, Texas | Fine-Very Fine | $1,380 |
1882 | Farmers National Bank of Hempstead, Texas | Very Good 8 | $4,140 |
1861 | Petersburg, VA – Bank of the City of Petersburg | Very Fine | $240 |
1899 | $5 Silver Certificate (“Indian Chief Note”) | Gem New 65 | $5,400 |
1934 | $5 Silver Certificate | MS 64 | $402 |
1907 | $5 Legal Tender (“Woodchopper Note”) | New 62 | $11,500 |
1995 | $5 Federal Reserve Note with Error | AU 58 | $4,312.50 |
Condition (Condition or Grade) The condition of any note is the most important determinant of its value.
Uncirculated: These notes are brand new and have not been used. Mint Condition: These notes are clean, shiny and without any blemishes.
Fine and Very Fine: These are worth more even with minor creases. The better the condition of the note, the higher its value.
Rarity Rare notes are always worth more, especially if they: Were issued in limited numbers. Belong to a particular bank or period. Have designs that are no longer produced. For example, some older notes such as those from 1929 or earlier sell for a higher price due to their rarity.
Historical Significance Notes that are associated with historical events, important personalities, or have distinctive designs are considered more attractive. For example, a Civil War-era note from 1861 or an Indian Chief note (1899) sell for a high price because of their historical context.
Printing errors Sometimes mistakes made during printing make a note special Misprints: Such as misalignment of the design or a mistake in the serial number.
Overprints: Stamps printed in the wrong place. Such notes become unique and attractive to collectors, increasing their value manifold.
What makes a $5 note valuable?
Rarity, condition, historical significance, unique serial numbers, and printing errors can increase the value of a $5 note.
How to check the value of your $5 note?
You can consult a currency expert or estimate the value by looking at the results of recent auctions.
Are $5 notes with printing errors more valuable?
Yes, printing errors make the note special and more sought after among collectors.