$5 Silver Certificates

Five dollar silver certificates were first issued in 1886. The series ended in 1953 with the Lincoln blue seals. Some $5 silver certificates are very popular and valuable. I would be happy to answer any questions about values. Just send me an email with pictures of what you have. Sales@AntiqueMoney.com

The five dollar bill shown above can be printed for the series of 1886 or 1891. The 1886 $5 silver certificate issue is much more valuable. Five dollar silver silver certificates from 1896 have a back design which shows a group of Morgan dollars; so collectors have named these Morgan back fives. The 1891 design is much more plain.

The 1896 $5 silver certificate is generally considered to be the most beautiful piece of paper money The United States ever issued. These are very popular with collectors purely because of the eye appeal. These are available at will and prices start at several hundred dollars.



The series of 1899 $5 silver certificate is very popular. It is the only piece of United States money to ever solely feature a Native American. The featured Indian Chief is named Onepapa or Running Antelope. The notes themselves are fairly common. Circulated examples are available for a couple hundred dollars. Nicer examples will command more money.

Five dollar silver certificates from the series of 1923 are commonly called portholes by paper money collectors. The nickname derives from the fact that it looks like Abraham Lincoln is being seen through the porthole on a ship. These issues are actually fairly tough to locate. Expect to spend at least a few hundred dollars for a circulated example.



Small size dollar five silver certificates were issued for 1934, 1934A, 1934B, 1934C, and 1934D. The only value here comes if your note has a serial number that begins with a star symbol. Regular issue notes in circulated condition sell at retail for $7 each.



The 1953 $5 silver certificate looks very similar to the earlier 1934 issues except that the “5” on the left hand side of the note is in blue, and the seal on the right hand side is smaller. I sell 1953, 1953A, and 1953B regular issue $5 silver certificates for $7 each.