Coin and Paper Money Collecting/1953 A Red Seal $5

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Expert: - 6/2/2011


Question
Front
Front
Hello,

I obtained a $5 bill dated to 1953 with a red seal and serial number (B 87190864 A). It seems to be in mint condition: Minimal bends, no creases or signs of wear.

It is marked as Series 1953 A, which I believe means it is the second printing. I was hoping you could let me know the approximate value of this bill. I am assuming that it is most likely between $8-15?

Thank you for your time.

Answer
Hi Richard:

Thanks for your question.

A United States Note, also known as a Legal Tender Note, is a type of paper money that was issued from 1862 to 1971 in the U.S. Having been current for over 100 years, they were issued for longer than any other form of U.S. paper money.

From coinsite.com: "Currency with a red treasury seal and red serial numbers is one of the most curious types of money to be found in circulation. These notes are printed with the words "United States Note" in the scrollwork at the top center of the note. These notes, issued at a time when money was redeemable for gold or silver, were backed only by the credit of the United States Government. They were issued in $1, $2, $5 and $100 denominations."

For note US Note data, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Note  For more information on the series, see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_five-dollar_bill

A recent issue of "Paper Money Values" shows the value for a EF to CU note from 1953A to range in value between $18 to $30 to an interested collector.

You may also want to check ebay listings under US paper currency to see if notes like yours are listed and what they are going for.

If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to the value at no charge. Remember, should you choose to sell your notes, get at least two estimates from professional coin dealers (PNG). I've listed a link for you to find them in your area. Link: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php
Dealers normally pay between 50% to 60% of retail for items they want.

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.

Ronald Fern

Expertise

I can answer most all questions relating to US coins, tokens, and currency. I'm not strong on world coins or ancients. Primary field of expertise is errors and varieties. Over 55 years experience in coin collecting. Part time dealer since 1976. Employed by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing for over 34 years as an Industrial Engineer/Technical Specialist before retiring in 2002.

Experience

Worked weekends for "Lonesome" John in the late 1960's to mid 1970's processing error coins, packaging, and preparing orders. Worked with John Devine and Fred Weinberg on several California Error A Rama's in the early 1970's. Served as display judge at annual Error-A-Rama coin shows. Opened and operated mail order coin business DBA "CAL ERRORS" in 1976. Contributer to Alan Herbert's "Official Price Guide To Mint Errors" and Fivaz/Stanton "Cherrypickers' Guide". Worked Saturdays at Huntington Beach Coin Exchange 1980-1999. Had table and sold coins at a number of coin and gun shows in So CA, AZ and NV. Sell coins, tokens and currency currently at my space in the Pomona Antique Center. Past "Errorscope" Editor. Presently CONECA Examiner.

Organizations
ANA, CONECA, CWTS, NLG

Publications
Errorscope, Numismatic News, Civil War Token Journal, Error and Variety News

Education/Credentials
AA Degree LBCC pre Engineering, 1964 BS Degree CSULB Ind Technology, 1968

Awards and Honors
1st Place EAR Trophy for Civil War Token Errors, NLG Author of Year Award for best monthly coin column "Error News and Views" in small Numismatic paper, owned and published by Ray Anthony.

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