9 Antiques and Valuable 5 Dollar Bill Worth Money

Collecting vintage $5 bills can be both an exciting and rewarding hobby. These historical pieces of currency often hold significant value well beyond their face amount, especially for notes that are rare or have unique characteristics. While some $5 bills are fairly common, others have fetched thousands at auctions due to factors such as limited production, printing errors, or distinct serial numbers.

Here, we explore the top 9 most valuable $5 bills that are currently highly sought after by collectors, offering insight into their historical significance, unique traits, and estimated value.

1. 1861 $5 Demand Note

The 1861 Demand Note is one of the first types of paper money issued in the U.S., printed during the Civil War to fund the Union. These notes are large and have distinctive features, such as the absence of “In God We Trust.”

• Value: $1,350 – $3,500 depending on condition, with uncirculated examples commanding even higher prices.
• Identification: Look for the “For the” phrase on the bill and its larger size compared to modern currency.

2. 1869 $5 United States Note (Wood Chopper)

This note is often referred to as the “Wood Chopper” due to its illustration of a man chopping wood. It stands out for its bold red and green ink, making it a visual standout from other notes of its time.

• Value: Uncirculated examples can fetch $2,500, while circulated ones range from $450 to $875.
• Identification: The wood-chopping scene and red serial numbers help distinguish this large note from others.

3. 1886 $5 Silver Certificate (Morgan Back)

One of the earliest U.S. notes backed by silver, the 1886 Silver Certificate features a design that includes Morgan silver dollars. Collectors treasure these notes for their connection to the silver standard.

• Value: Priced between $550 and $2,250 for circulated notes, with uncirculated bills reaching over $2,900.
• Identification: The red seal and serial numbers, along with the depiction of silver dollars on the back, make it easy to spot.

4. 1890 $5 Treasury Note

With fewer than 15 known to exist, the 1890 Treasury Note is one of the rarest $5 bills. Its scarcity makes it highly valuable, with one of these notes fetching an astounding $282,000 at auction.

• Value: Even circulated notes are worth $440 to $1,600, while pristine ones have hit six-figure sums.
• Identification: These notes are distinguished by their large size and intricate design, along with the words “Treasury Note.”

5. 1928-C $5 Federal Reserve Note

The 1928-C Federal Reserve Note is notable for being part of the first series of modern-sized U.S. currency. Featuring a green seal, this note marked the transition from the larger “horse blanket” bills.

• Value: Circulated notes are worth between $200 and $650, with uncirculated ones fetching up to $1,900.
• Identification: Look for the smaller size and the green seal, which differentiates it from other series.

6. 1934 $5 Federal Reserve Note (Hawaii Overprint)

Issued specifically for use in Hawaii during World War II, these notes were designed to be easily invalidated in case of an invasion. Their brown seal and the large “Hawaii” overprint on both sides are unmistakable.

• Value: Ranges from $25 for worn examples to over $3,000 for rare, uncirculated bills.
• Identification: The word “Hawaii” prominently printed on both sides makes these bills easy to identify.

7. 1953 $5 Red Seal Legal Tender Note

The 1953 Legal Tender Note is memorable for its vibrant red seal and serial numbers, which make it stand out from the more common green-sealed notes of the same era.

• Value: Circulated notes are valued between $12 and $20, while uncirculated versions can sell for $50 to $150.
• Identification: Look for the distinct red seal and serial numbers to identify this note.

8. 1862 $5 United States Note

Another Civil War-era bill, the 1862 $5 United States Note is one of the earliest pieces of federally issued paper money. Its historical context and large size make it a desirable item for collectors.

• Value: Prices range from $375 to $900 for circulated notes, with uncirculated ones exceeding $2,000.
• Identification: The large red seal and the absence of a Treasury building on the back distinguish this note.

9. 1914 $5 Federal Reserve Note

Issued shortly after the Federal Reserve was created, the 1914 $5 Federal Reserve Note is valued for both its size and historical significance. Its red Treasury seal also adds to its collectibility.

• Value: Circulated notes are valued at $200 to $325, while uncirculated ones can reach up to $1,400.
• Identification: These notes are larger than the post-1928 notes and have a prominent red Treasury seal.

Year	Bill Type	Size	Seal Color	Circulated Value	Uncirculated Value
1861	Demand Note	Large	None	$1,350 – $3,500	N/A
1869	U.S. Note (Wood Chopper)	Large	Red	$450 – $875	$2,500+
1886	Silver Certificate	Large	Red	$550 – $2,250	$2,900+
1890	Treasury Note	Large	Red/Brown	$440 – $1,600	$282,000
1928-C	Federal Reserve Note	Small	Green	$200 – $650	$1,900
1934	Federal Reserve Note (Hawaii)	Small	Brown	$25 – $3,000	Varies
1953	Legal Tender Note	Small	Red	$12 – $20	$50 – $150
1862	U.S. Note	Large	Red	$375 – $900	$2,000+
1914	Federal Reserve Note	Large	Red	$200 – $325	$1,400+

Collecting vintage $5 bills is not only a journey through American history but can also be quite lucrative. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting, finding these rare pieces can be both exciting and profitable. Be on the lookout for unusual characteristics like rare serial numbers, printing errors, or distinctive seal colors. Grading your currency through a professional agency can also ensure you get the most value for your collection.

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