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- Product ID: 56774
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The 2003 $5 STAR Federal Reserve Note in Crisp Uncirculated (CU) condition holds a distinctive place in modern U.S. paper currency collecting. Issued during a transitional period in American currency history, the 2003 series marked one of the last appearances of the traditional small-size $5 bill design before the redesign introduced in 2006. The presence of a star symbol at the end of the serial number signifies that the note is a replacement, issued to substitute for a misprinted or damaged note removed from production. These STAR notes were printed in smaller quantities than standard issues and are therefore scarcer, especially in CU condition, which makes them especially sought after by collectors.
The obverse of the 2003 $5 STAR Federal Reserve Note features a finely detailed engraved portrait of Abraham Lincoln, which has been used on the denomination since the 1928 series. Lincoln is depicted facing right, and the portrait is framed by inscriptions including “FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE” at the top, “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” above his head, and “FIVE DOLLARS” directly below. On the left side of the note is the black seal of the issuing Federal Reserve Bank, and to the right is the green seal of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Two serial numbers printed in green ink appear on the upper right and lower left; in this case, they conclude with a star instead of a letter, indicating a replacement note.
Replacement STAR notes are integral to the quality control processes of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). When a sheet is found defective during production, it is removed and replaced with a note bearing a star in the serial number to maintain accurate accounting of each run. STAR notes for the 2003 $5 series were printed in limited batches, making them significantly more collectible than their regular counterparts. Each of the twelve Federal Reserve Districts (from A for Boston to L for San Francisco) may have had STAR notes printed, though not all districts issued large quantities. Districts with lower production runs are particularly scarce.
Below the portrait, the note includes the printed signatures of the Treasurer of the United States and the Secretary of the Treasury at the time of production. For most 2003 series $5 notes, this would be Rosario Marin and John W. Snow, who served during the early 2000s under President George W. Bush. These signatures help confirm the issue as Series 2003 rather than the later Series 2003A. The pairing of these officials’ names anchors the note historically and allows collectors to distinguish it within the broader sequence of small-size note issues.
The reverse of the note features the classic depiction of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., rendered in elegant detail using intaglio engraving. The symmetrical architecture, visible columns, and steps reflect the enduring neoclassical style that has long characterized American currency. The reverse includes inscriptions such as “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” across the top and “FIVE DOLLARS” along the bottom. Corner numerals indicate the denomination, and the word “FIVE” appears to the left and right of the main vignette. This design remained in use through the 2003 series before it was updated for the 2006 redesign with modernized colors and layout.
The 2003 $5 STAR note was printed on high-durability paper composed of 75% cotton and 25% linen, embedded with red and blue security fibers. Although it lacks more modern features like color-shifting ink, security threads, or watermarks, the note's intaglio printing process lends it sharpness and texture that enhance both security and aesthetic appeal. The tactile quality of the ink, particularly on Lincoln’s portrait and the Treasury seal, makes the note not only functional but also a visually striking and historically resonant piece of currency.
Printing of the 2003 series took place at both the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's Washington, D.C., and Fort Worth, Texas facilities. Fort Worth notes include a small “FW” prefix near the plate number in the lower right of the face. For STAR notes, this distinction is significant, as collectors often pursue full sets that include STAR notes from both printing locations across all twelve Federal Reserve Districts. Some districts had very low STAR print runs, and these particular notes can command significant premiums in the numismatic marketplace, especially in uncirculated condition.
In Crisp Uncirculated (CU) condition, the 2003 $5 STAR Federal Reserve Note has never been folded, handled, or circulated. The paper remains pristine and firm, with no blemishes, tears, or creases. Corners are sharp, the ink is vivid and well-aligned, and embossing from intaglio printing is typically still visible, especially in the serial numbers and seals. This high grade of preservation greatly enhances the note’s desirability, and CU STAR notes often receive third-party certification from grading services like PMG or PCGS Banknote, with high numerical grades such as 65 or higher being especially valuable.
Because STAR notes were produced to replace damaged notes in relatively small batches, collectors often view them as essential additions to district-specific sets, type sets, or error-replacement collections. They are also favored by those who seek serial number variety, and a 2003 $5 STAR note with a low serial number, binary pattern, or radar configuration is even more prized. Certified examples graded as “Gem Uncirculated” or with EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality) designations command additional premiums in the currency market.
As the final traditional design before the 2006 series introduced colorized fields, larger security features, and updated layouts, the 2003 $5 STAR note marks the close of a long-standing chapter in American banknote design. It represents not just a replacement note, but a vestige of the classic green-and-black Federal Reserve Note style that had endured since the early 20th century. For this reason, it is often included in educational sets, modern note type sets, and displays tracing the evolution of U.S. paper money. Its combination of scarcity, historical context, and preserved condition ensures that the 2003 $5 STAR Federal Reserve Note in CU grade will remain a desirable and valued item among collectors for years to come.