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The 1918 $5 Federal Reserve Bank Note Kansas City Fr#803 VF35PPQ is a compelling and historically significant example of early 20th-century U.S. currency, issued during a formative era for the Federal Reserve System. These notes, part of the Series of 1918, represent a transitional period in American monetary history, following the establishment of the Federal Reserve in 1913. Federal Reserve Bank Notes (FRBNs) were issued by individual Reserve Banks and served as emergency currency, with each note backed by the assets of the issuing bank. The 1918 series marked one of the last large-size $5 issues before the transition to the smaller-sized notes introduced in 1928. This note, issued by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, is part of the Friedberg catalog number 803 and is prized by collectors for its distinctive design, regional origin, and relatively limited surviving population in premium condition.
The obverse of the 1918 $5 Federal Reserve Bank Note features a commanding portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, positioned slightly off-center to the left. Lincoln's image is framed within an oval, with the surrounding border containing intricate scrollwork and guilloche patterns that enhance the security and visual sophistication of the note. To the right of Lincoln, the obligation text states the legal status of the note and its promise of value, while bold serial numbers are printed in blue ink, matching the blue Treasury seal at the right. The top border reads “FEDERAL RESERVE BANK NOTE,” and the bottom reads “FIVE DOLLARS.” Above Lincoln’s portrait is the name of the issuing bank—“THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK OF KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI”—printed in large, all-caps lettering. Each note carries the signature of the bank’s cashier and governor, along with the Register of the Treasury and Treasurer of the United States, further solidifying its legal and institutional standing.
The reverse design of the note is particularly striking and uniquely American, earning it the nickname “The Landing of the Pilgrims.” The central engraving depicts a detailed scene of the Pilgrims landing at Plymouth Rock in 1620. Rendered with a dramatic sense of realism and composition, the image captures a moment of solemn arrival as the settlers, dressed in period attire, step ashore in search of religious freedom and a new life. The background includes the Mayflower anchored off the coast and figures clutching Bibles and supplies, emphasizing the historical narrative of early American colonization. This scene is framed by ornamental scrolls and banners, with the denomination “FIVE” printed in each corner and “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” boldly along the top. The design reflects themes of perseverance, faith, and national heritage, making it one of the most admired reverses in the large-size banknote era.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, one of twelve regional Reserve Banks, was chartered in 1914 to serve the Tenth District, which includes states such as Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, and portions of New Mexico and Oklahoma. The 1918 FRBNs were issued during a time of heightened economic activity and government spending due to World War I. These notes were not intended to circulate indefinitely but rather to supplement the money supply in times of need. The Kansas City issuance of the $5 denomination is part of a broader printing effort to provide flexibility and liquidity within the developing Federal Reserve structure. Each note bears the district seal “J” for Kansas City, and the corresponding district number “10” appears within the serial numbers and in the bank title, anchoring it geographically and institutionally.
The Fr#803 variety is categorized by its issuance from the Kansas City bank, blue serial numbers, and blue seal, along with the presence of Lincoln’s portrait and the Landing of the Pilgrims reverse. Collectors value this note for its aesthetic qualities and for its relative rarity among surviving examples. While many of these notes were redeemed and destroyed during the early 20th century, a small population has survived in collectible grades, making examples in higher condition particularly desirable. The Friedberg numbering system, developed by Robert Friedberg, remains the standard cataloging method for identifying and differentiating United States paper currency by type, denomination, and issuing bank, and Fr#803 is widely recognized in the collector community as a key type within the 1918 $5 FRBN series.
The note has been certified as VF35PPQ (Very Fine 35 Premium Paper Quality) by a third-party grading service, which indicates it retains excellent integrity while displaying moderate signs of handling and circulation. A VF35 grade suggests that the note has visible folds and creases but remains crisp and well-detailed, with no major tears or distracting stains. What elevates this example is the PPQ designation—an endorsement of superior original paper quality, bright ink, and strong embossing, indicating that the note has not been cleaned, pressed, or otherwise altered. The PPQ tag is particularly valued by collectors because it confirms that the note retains its original texture and appearance, providing added reassurance regarding authenticity and desirability.
The appeal of the 1918 $5 Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank Note lies not only in its visual and historical qualities but also in its tangible connection to a transformative period in American finance. As the Federal Reserve System was still in its early years, these notes represent one of the earliest manifestations of a national centralized banking network. At the same time, the classic artwork, large-format design, and high production standards evoke the craftsmanship of a bygone era in currency printing. Notes like this bridge the artistic sensibilities of the 19th century with the economic systems of the modern age, making them essential components of any serious U.S. currency collection.
Collectors drawn to large-size notes often pursue the 1918 FRBN series for its scarcity, beauty, and symbolic value. The combination of a beloved president on the obverse and a historically rich scene on the reverse gives this note unique character among early 20th-century issues. The Kansas City district adds further appeal due to its smaller issuance numbers compared to some of the larger Reserve Banks like New York or Chicago. A VF35PPQ example offers collectors the chance to own a note that is well above average in preservation, with superior visual presence and original surfaces, all certified and encapsulated for protection and long-term value retention.
The 1918 $5 Federal Reserve Bank Note Kansas City Fr#803 VF35PPQ is a standout example of American paper money history, offering collectors a window into the early years of the Federal Reserve, the economic conditions of post–World War I America, and the legacy of artistic excellence in currency design. With its large format, intricate engravings, and regional character, it occupies a unique space between functionality and fine art. Certified in a premium grade with strong originality, this note appeals to both seasoned currency specialists and new collectors seeking to build a foundation in high-quality early Federal Reserve issues. As fewer well-preserved examples remain available on the market, notes like this are increasingly recognized for their rarity, aesthetic merit, and historical importance.