“9 Rare $5 Bills That Can Fetch High Prices at Auctions”

Few people realize that some $5 bills can be worth way more than their face value. This is a rarity that is not only valuable to the collector but in the history of our economics as well.

Some of these $5 bill rarities sell in auction houses for thousands of dollars.
In the post, we look at nine of the most expensive $5 bills-including what makes them unusual and how much they are worth today.

1. 1861 Demand Note:

One of the earliest paper currencies issued by the United States Treasury, the $5 Demand Note from 1861 features a semitransparent Treasury seal located in the bottom right corner of the bill. Its massive size and distinctive “For The” inscription make it extremely valuable. There are very few of these notes left, and their worth fluctuates from $1,350 to $3,500 depending on condition.

Details:

• Year: 1861
• Type: Demand Note
• Size: Large
• Value (Circulated): $1,350 – $3,500

2. 1890 Treasury Note (Fr. 360):

The 1890 $5 Treasury Note is one of the rarest pieces of American currency, with only 14 known to exist. One of them, which was large in size and bearing distinguishing red or brown seals, fetched a whooping price of $282,000 in the year 2013.

Details:

• Year: 1890
• Type: Treasury Note
• Size: Large
• Value: Up to $282,000

3. 1869 Rainbow Note:

The 1869 $5 United States Note, popularly referred to as the “Rainbow Note,” has quite distinctive colors and details in the outline. Circulated versions are worth between $450 and $875, while uncirculated copies are worth more than $2,500.

Details:

• Year: 1869
• Type: United States Note
• Value (Circulated): $450 – $875
• Value (Uncirculated): Over $2,500

4. 1928-C Federal Reserve Note:

This little $5 bill is distinguished by its green seal and early serial numbers. A 1928-C note in good condition can fetch between $200 and $650, while pristine, uncirculated notes have been auctioned for much to $1,900.

Details:

• Year: 1928-C
• Type: Federal Reserve Note
• Value (Circulated): $200 – $650
• Value (Uncirculated): Up to $1,900

5. 1934 Federal Reserve Note:

The 1934 $5 Federal Reserve Note is very common, although it becomes desirable in pure, uncirculated form. Circulated notes are worth $7 to $12, and uncirculated notes can bring up to $50 or more.

Details:

• Year: 1934
• Type: Federal Reserve Note
• Value (Circulated): $7 – $12
• Value (Uncirculated): Up to $50

6. 1886 Silver Certificate:

The 1886 $5 Silver Certificate is distinguished by its huge size and striking red seal. Uncirculated bills fetch more than $2,900, while circulated notes fetch anywhere between $550 and $2,250.

Details:

• Year: 1886
• Type: Silver Certificate
• Value (Circulated): $550 – $2,250
• Value (Uncirculated): Over $2,900

7. 1914 Federal Reserve Note (Red Seal):

The 1914 large-size $5 Federal Reserve Note red seal possesses an elaborate design. For circulated copies, prices are between $200 to $325; while one can fetch for as high as $1,400 for an uncirculated copy.

Details:

• Year: 1914
• Type: Federal Reserve Note (Red Seal)
• Value (Circulated): $200 – $325
• Value (Uncirculated): Up to $1,400

8. 1950 Federal Reserve Note:

The 1950 $5 Federal Reserve Note is not as rare as older notes, yet it is nevertheless valued due to its age and quality. Circulated variants are worth $7 to $10, while uncirculated notes are worth approximately $18.

Details:

• Year: 1950
• Type: Federal Reserve Note
• Value (Circulated): $7 – $10
• Value (Uncirculated): Around $18

9. Misprinted $5 Bills (Various Years):

Collectors prize Misprinted $5 bills from any year. Common misprints can include double-printed numerals, misaligned seals, and incorrect serial numbers. Depending on the rarity or type of this sort of typographical error, it could be worth thousands of dollars.

Details:

• Type: Misprinted Bills
• Value: Thousands of dollars

It is a very exciting and possibly lucrative hobby to collect rare $5 bills. Some $5 bills can go for a premium price because of their peculiar nature and historical significance or due to printer errors. If you happen to find an old $5 bill, then it would be time well spent to check out its rarity and value.

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