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The 2003 $5 STAR Federal Reserve Note from the Chicago, Illinois Federal Reserve District in Crisp Uncirculated (CU) condition holds special appeal for collectors of modern U.S. currency, particularly those focused on replacement notes and district-specific issues. As part of the final generation of $5 bills to retain the traditional small-size design before the 2006 series overhaul, this note represents a closing chapter in classic American banknote aesthetics. The inclusion of a star at the end of the serial number marks it as a replacement note, issued to substitute for one that was damaged or misprinted during production. In high-grade CU condition and bearing the designation of the Seventh Federal Reserve District, this note combines scarcity, preservation, and regional interest.
The obverse of the 2003 $5 STAR note prominently features the stately portrait of Abraham Lincoln, who has long been associated with the denomination. The engraving is positioned just right of center and is surrounded by inscriptions including “FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE” at the top, “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” above Lincoln’s head, and “FIVE DOLLARS” at the bottom. The black seal of the Chicago Federal Reserve Bank appears on the left, marked with the letter “G” and the words “Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Illinois.” This district corresponds to the Seventh Federal Reserve Bank, a major issuer of U.S. currency serving a large swath of the Midwest.
The green Treasury seal is printed to the right of Lincoln’s portrait, adjacent to the serial number. Two green serial numbers appear—one in the lower left and one in the upper right—with both ending in a star symbol (*) rather than a letter suffix. This star denotes that the note is a replacement, inserted into a pack of notes where one had to be destroyed due to printing defects. These STAR notes were printed in smaller quantities and for select districts, making them far less common than standard notes. Notes from Chicago are identifiable by the prefix “G” in the serial number, making this a G-* replacement note.
The signatures found at the bottom of the note typically belong to Rosario Marin, the Treasurer of the United States, and John W. Snow, the Secretary of the Treasury during the early 2000s. Their signatures confirm the series as 2003, issued during the George W. Bush administration. The legal tender clause—“This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private”—remains a constant in this series, located just left of the portrait and above the Treasurer’s signature. These features together maintain the note's official status and authenticity.
The reverse of the note presents a classically rendered vignette of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., a design used consistently on $5 bills from the 1928 series through this final pre-redesign series. The neoclassical structure is displayed in full symmetry, with inscriptions including “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” along the top and “FIVE DOLLARS” along the bottom. Large numeral 5s in each corner reinforce the denomination. Though later designs would add colored security tints and reposition elements, this version maintains a clean, engraved style consistent with earlier Federal Reserve Note issues.
Printed on a cotton-linen blend paper embedded with red and blue security fibers, the note uses intaglio printing methods that produce rich, tactile ink impressions. Despite lacking the modern security enhancements introduced in the 2006 redesign—such as color-shifting ink, a security thread, and a watermark—the 2003 note still benefits from durable paper and precision engraving. The texture of the intaglio printing is particularly evident in the portrait, Treasury seal, and serial numbers, all of which remain raised and sharp to the touch in CU condition.
These notes were printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing at either the Washington, D.C., or Fort Worth, Texas facility. Fort Worth issues can be identified by the small “FW” designation before the face plate number in the lower right margin of the obverse. Collectors often seek examples from both printing locations, with some going further to compile complete district sets that include all twelve Federal Reserve Banks in both standard and STAR versions. The Chicago note, designated by its “G” district letter, is especially sought after by those from the region or those attempting to build a full district set of STAR replacements.
In Crisp Uncirculated (CU) condition, this 2003 $5 STAR Federal Reserve Note exhibits no folds, creases, staining, or other signs of wear. The corners are sharp and square, the paper bright and firm, and the ink is bold with perfect registration. The embossing from the raised printing process remains intact, and the note retains its full original quality, making it highly desirable to both novice and experienced collectors. Uncirculated STAR notes are much harder to locate than circulated ones, particularly from specific districts like Chicago that may have had more limited replacement print runs.
The appeal of the 2003 Chicago STAR note extends beyond its condition. As a final example of pre-redesign currency, it holds historical importance for those documenting the evolution of U.S. banknotes. STAR notes also attract a specialized collector base who value them for their scarcity and their role in quality control during production. Replacement notes from certain districts—especially those with low print runs—can command notable premiums in the numismatic market, particularly when certified by third-party grading services like PMG or PCGS Banknote and graded Gem CU 65 or higher.
In conclusion, the 2003 $5 STAR Federal Reserve Note from Chicago, Illinois, in Crisp Uncirculated condition is a compelling piece of modern U.S. currency. It represents both the final phase of classic small-size note design and the specialized realm of replacement STAR notes. With its flawless preservation, district-specific appeal, and historical placement at the end of a design era, it serves as an important and collectible addition to any paper money collection. Whether included in a Federal Reserve district set, a STAR note compilation, or a general type set, this note is both a historical artifact and a fine example of American engraving and monetary tradition.