US 5 Dollar Banknote (Red Seal) First Issued 1914

United States dollar banknotes have been produced in several historic formats by the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve, including this distinctive US $5 Red Seal banknote first issued in 1914. Unlike Blue Seal Federal Reserve Notes, this version is a United States Note, sometimes known as a Legal Tender Note, and represents a parallel form of paper money that circulated alongside early Federal Reserve issues.

This $5 banknote is printed mainly in black and green ink on pale paper and is immediately recognisable by its red Treasury seal and red serial numbers. These red features clearly identify it as a United States Note rather than a Federal Reserve Note. Notes of this type were issued directly by the U.S. Treasury and remained legal tender for all debts.

On the obverse of the banknote is a centrally placed engraved portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. The portrait sits within an oval frame surrounded by detailed ornamental scrollwork. Across the top is the wording “The United States of America”, while “Five Dollars” is prominently engraved along the lower centre. To the right of the portrait is the red Treasury seal, with matching red serial numbers and the series year of 1914 clearly shown.

The reverse of the note features a detailed engraved historical scene showing early European exploration and settlement. Groups of figures are depicted arriving by boat and interacting on the shoreline, symbolising the beginnings of European presence in the Americas. The denomination “Five Dollars” appears boldly at the centre, framed by ornate engraved borders and large corner numerals.

This series is notable for its bold colouring, fine engraving and historical artwork, distinguishing United States Notes from contemporary Federal Reserve designs. Although no longer issued for circulation, these notes remain recognised as withdrawn historic US currency and are popular with collectors and holders of older American banknotes.

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If you are looking to exchange old US dollar banknotes, we provide a secure and trusted UK service for exchanging withdrawn and historic US currency.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 arranging payment directly to your UK bank account once the exchange has been approved.

Whether you are exchanging a single historic note or a larger group of withdrawn US banknotes, our straightforward process ensures your currency is handled securely and professionally.

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.