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The 2003 $5 Federal Reserve Note in Crisp Uncirculated (CU) condition represents the early 21st-century continuation of the classic U.S. small-size note design, just before a sweeping redesign was introduced in 2006. As part of the last generation of $5 notes to retain the traditional portrait and security features without color enhancements or advanced anti-counterfeiting elements, the 2003 series holds historical significance for collectors of modern paper money. Though still widely available in circulated condition, examples preserved in CU grade are increasingly valued by those assembling high-quality type sets or studying the transition to modern U.S. currency.
The obverse of the 2003 $5 Federal Reserve Note features the time-honored engraved portrait of Abraham Lincoln, America’s 16th president, facing right and centered within a stately frame. Lincoln has long been associated with the $5 denomination, dating back to the late 19th century and continuing uninterrupted into the modern small-size note era that began in 1928. Surrounding the portrait are several standard inscriptions, including “FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE” at the top, “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” above the portrait, and “FIVE DOLLARS” centered below it. This layout preserves the familiar look that American users had grown accustomed to for decades.
The note includes two serial numbers printed in green ink—one in the upper right and one in the lower left. These are paired with the black Federal Reserve District seal on the left and the green Treasury Department seal on the right. The black seal identifies the issuing Federal Reserve Bank, with one of twelve districts ranging from “A” for Boston to “L” for San Francisco. The green Treasury seal contains the familiar balance scale, key, and chevron with 13 stars, symbolizing justice, security, and the original colonies. The serial number prefix letter corresponds to the Federal Reserve Bank’s alphabetical designation, and a star at the end would indicate a replacement note, though this particular description pertains to standard notes.
The printed signatures at the bottom of the note represent the Treasurer of the United States and the Secretary of the Treasury. For the 2003 series, the most common signature pair is Rosario Marin as Treasurer and John W. Snow as Secretary of the Treasury. Their names are printed in black ink and serve both as identifiers of the note’s series and as official authorizations of the note’s legal tender status. The legal obligation “THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR ALL DEBTS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE” appears to the left of the portrait, as on all modern Federal Reserve Notes.
The reverse of the 2003 $5 Federal Reserve Note continues the longstanding depiction of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. This vignette, originally introduced in the 1928 series, features fine line engraving capturing the building’s classical symmetry and architectural detail. “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arches over the top, and “FIVE DOLLARS” is inscribed at the bottom. The denomination appears again in large numeral “5”s in each corner and as the word “FIVE” positioned to the left and right of the memorial. The overall layout is elegant and balanced, with no background color or stylistic departures—traits that would be introduced with the next major redesign.
Printed on a blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen paper, the note includes embedded red and blue security fibers visible throughout the surface. The 2003 series retained many traditional features, but did not yet include the more sophisticated elements found on the redesigned 2006 and later $5 notes, such as a watermark, security thread, or color-shifting ink. Despite this, the paper was manufactured with high durability, and intaglio printing techniques imparted raised textures to critical elements of the design. These include the portrait, serial numbers, and Treasury seals, all of which are tactile under fingertips and contribute to the note’s resistance to counterfeiting.
The 2003 $5 notes were produced at both the Washington, D.C., and Fort Worth, Texas facilities of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Fort Worth printings are identified by a small “FW” prefix next to the face plate number in the lower right corner of the obverse. Collectors of small-size notes often seek to collect examples from both facilities, as well as all twelve issuing Federal Reserve Banks. Additional details, such as back plate numbers and serial number varieties, further enhance the collectibility of these otherwise common notes when preserved in high grades.
In Crisp Uncirculated (CU) condition, the 2003 $5 note remains in pristine, original state. It exhibits no folds, creases, or signs of circulation. The paper is firm and bright, and the ink colors are rich, with excellent contrast and clarity. The corners are sharp and square, and the note often retains original embossing and paper wave impressions from the banding process. Collectors especially value notes in this condition for their aesthetic appeal and long-term preservation potential. While modern notes are often encountered in circulation, CU examples set aside at the time of issue are less frequently found today, particularly in untouched condition.
Though the 2003 series was printed in large quantities, it marks the final iteration of the classic design before the redesigned $5 notes of 2006 introduced dramatic changes. These later notes added a large purple “5” on the back, introduced background tints of light purple and gray, and repositioned elements such as the portrait and security features. Consequently, the 2003 note stands as the last representative of a consistent visual style spanning more than 70 years. This transitional role enhances its appeal among modern collectors who value continuity in design and monetary aesthetics.
Beyond general type collecting, the 2003 $5 note offers various points of interest, including unusual serial numbers, replacement STAR notes, and Federal Reserve District variety collecting. Some collectors also seek full sheets or packs of CU notes for long-term investment or display. Certified examples graded by PMG or PCGS Banknote may carry premiums, especially when designated Gem CU 65 or higher. Notes with exceptional centering and strong eye appeal are more likely to earn these higher grades and increase in value.
In summary, the 2003 $5 Federal Reserve Note in Crisp Uncirculated condition is a key modern issue that closes the chapter on traditional small-size U.S. currency design. With its timeless portrait of Lincoln, symmetrical layout, and classic engraving techniques, the note embodies the durability and visual continuity of U.S. paper money through much of the 20th century. As a final example of pre-colorized currency, it holds both historical and numismatic importance, making it a worthwhile acquisition for any collection focused on Federal Reserve Notes, modern U.S. history, or currency transitions.