US 5 Dollar Banknote (Blue Seal) First Issued 1914

United States dollar banknotes have been issued in a variety of formats by the U.S. Treasury and later the Federal Reserve, including this historic US $5 Blue Seal banknote first issued in 1914. This note forms part of the early Federal Reserve Note series and represents a key transitional period in the development of modern American paper currency.

This $5 banknote is printed primarily in black and green ink on light-coloured paper and is distinguished by its blue Treasury seal, a feature used on early Federal Reserve Notes of this era. The note was issued to support the newly established Federal Reserve System and circulated widely in the United States during the early twentieth century.

On the obverse of the banknote is a centrally positioned engraved portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Lincoln’s portrait is framed within an oval vignette, flanked by detailed ornamental scrollwork and the words “The United States of America” across the top. The denomination “Five Dollars” appears prominently below the portrait, with a blue Treasury seal and Federal Reserve district identifiers visible to the right.

The reverse of the note features a highly detailed engraved scene depicting historical allegorical imagery, including figures representing industry, progress and exploration. The wording “Five Dollars” appears in large engraved lettering at the centre, surrounded by intricate decorative borders and repeated denomination numerals in each corner.

This series is notable for its fine engraving, classical artwork and symbolic imagery, reflecting the craftsmanship of early twentieth-century American banknote production. While no longer issued for circulation, these notes remain recognised and sought after as withdrawn historic US currency.

• Indicate the quantity of US $5 banknotes you want to exchange

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If you are looking to exchange old US dollar banknotes, we offer a secure and trusted UK service for exchanging withdrawn and historic US currency. Many banks no longer accept older US notes, but we specialise in exchanging discontinued United States dollar banknotes and paying you directly into your UK bank account once the exchange has been approved.

Whether you are exchanging a single note or a collection of withdrawn US banknotes, our straightforward process allows your currency to be handled securely and efficiently.

For all high-value transactions, we will require valid identification in order to comply with Anti-Money Laundering Regulations (AMLR).

Image: National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution.