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The 1988A $5 Federal Reserve Note in Uncirculated (UNC) condition stands as a quintessential example of late 20th-century U.S. currency, bridging the gap between classic note design and the modern security-focused updates that began in the 1990s. Issued by the Federal Reserve System and printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), this note maintains the traditional aesthetic of the small-size $5 bill, featuring historical elements such as the iconic portrait of Abraham Lincoln and the Lincoln Memorial. In pristine uncirculated condition, it represents both the continuity and the evolution of American paper money.
The obverse of the 1988A $5 Federal Reserve Note is centered on a finely engraved portrait of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. Lincoln’s image, facing right, is derived from a photograph taken by Anthony Berger in 1864 and has been a consistent feature of the $5 denomination since the 1928 small-size series. Surrounding the portrait are bold inscriptions, including “FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE” at the top, “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” above Lincoln, and “FIVE DOLLARS” below. The serial numbers, printed in green ink, appear twice—once in the upper right and once in the lower left. These are flanked by the district letter and number designating the issuing Federal Reserve Bank, with one of twelve possible districts represented from A (Boston) to L (San Francisco).
On the left of the portrait is the black Federal Reserve Bank seal, and to the right is the green Treasury seal featuring scales, a key, and thirteen stars. These design elements not only lend aesthetic balance to the note but also serve as important identifiers of authenticity. The legal tender statement reads: “This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private,” a standard declaration for Federal Reserve Notes. The printed signatures at the bottom represent the Treasurer of the United States and the Secretary of the Treasury at the time of issue. For Series 1988A, these are typically Catalina Vásquez Villalpando (Treasurer) and Nicholas F. Brady (Secretary of the Treasury).
The reverse of the 1988A $5 Federal Reserve Note features a detailed engraving of the Lincoln Memorial, rendered in classical precision and symmetry. Above the structure is the legend “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” while “FIVE DOLLARS” is inscribed along the bottom. The denomination also appears in large numeral “5”s in each corner. This design had been in place since the 1928 series and would continue until the major redesign of the $5 bill in 1999. The reverse reflects the artistic sensibility of the early 20th century, with its balanced layout and fine line engraving symbolizing both historical reverence and national identity.
These notes were printed on a blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen paper, incorporating red and blue security fibers throughout. The use of intaglio printing creates raised ink impressions that add to both durability and tactile authenticity. The 1988A series did not yet incorporate the anti-counterfeiting features introduced in the 1990s, such as watermarks, security threads, or color-shifting ink, which makes Uncirculated examples particularly valuable today due to their preserved condition in an otherwise basic-security design era.
The Federal Reserve System printed these notes across multiple facilities, including those in Washington, D.C., and Fort Worth, Texas. Notes printed in Fort Worth can be identified by a small “FW” prefix before the plate number on the obverse. This detail is often sought by collectors who distinguish between production sources. The serial numbers and plate positions, combined with the issuing Federal Reserve District, allow collectors to compile complete sets by district or seek out notes with unique serial numbers, such as low serials, repeaters, or radar numbers.
In Uncirculated (UNC) condition, the 1988A $5 Federal Reserve Note displays no signs of circulation. The paper remains crisp and bright, free of folds, creases, stains, or edge wear. The ink is bold and sharply struck, and the corners are perfectly square. Embossing from the intaglio printing process may still be visible, especially around the seals and serial numbers. Such notes are ideal for long-term preservation, investment, or inclusion in modern currency type sets. Given the millions printed, circulated examples are common, but Uncirculated examples are far less frequently encountered, especially when stored in pristine condition since issue.
Though these notes were printed in large numbers and circulated widely, the 1988A series remains a favorite among collectors due to its position as one of the final pre-modern redesign $5 bills. It precedes the significant redesigns that introduced larger, off-center portraits and overt anti-counterfeiting features in the late 1990s and early 2000s. As a result, collectors of modern U.S. currency often seek out the 1988A $5 note as the closing chapter of the classic small-size design lineage, making high-grade examples increasingly desirable.
The value of a 1988A $5 note in Uncirculated condition is typically modest but increasing, especially for those with star serial numbers, low serial numbers, or district combinations with lower known print runs. Certified examples graded by PMG or PCGS Banknote may bring premiums depending on their numerical grade (such as Gem UNC 65 or Superb Gem UNC 67) and whether they feature unique serials. Collectors building Federal Reserve District sets or type sets of 1980s currency often use the 1988A $5 as a keystone note representing the era’s end.
In conclusion, the 1988A $5 Federal Reserve Note in Uncirculated condition stands as a well-preserved example of classic U.S. banknote design. With its enduring portrait of Lincoln, traditional layout, and pre-modern security features, it embodies the transitional period of U.S. paper money just before the redesigns of the 1990s. The note’s pristine state enhances both its historical significance and collectible value, making it a compelling acquisition for those interested in late 20th-century American numismatics.