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The uncut currency sheet composed of four $5 notes from the Series 2003 is a modern collectible that holds both historical and numismatic significance. These sheets were produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) for sale to collectors and were not released for circulation. The 2003 series marks one of the last appearances of the traditional $5 note design before the U.S. Treasury launched major overhauls of currency aesthetics and security features. As a result, the 2003 $5 notes serve as a bridge between long-standing currency design principles and the innovations that followed in the mid-2000s. The uncut sheet of four offers a preserved glimpse into that transitional moment.
The Series 2003 $5 bill features the familiar small portrait format that had been a standard since the early 20th century. Abraham Lincoln is depicted at the center of the obverse, his image framed within an ornate oval, based on a photograph by Matthew Brady. Above the portrait is the inscription “Federal Reserve Note,” and below it reads “The United States of America.” The left side bears the black Federal Reserve seal while the green Department of the Treasury seal appears to the right. Each note in the uncut sheet also features green serial numbers and the unique signature pair of John W. Snow, Secretary of the Treasury, and Rosario Marin, Treasurer of the United States, adding historical specificity to the printing period within the early 2000s.
The reverse of the note maintains the traditional engraving of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. This detailed illustration captures the grand neoclassical architecture and is flanked by the inscriptions “United States of America” and “Five Dollars.” The clean design is functional and symbolic, meant to honor one of the nation’s most respected leaders while reinforcing a strong national identity. Notably, the 2003 series retained many of the visual characteristics that had defined the $5 bill for decades, though it was the final series to do so before more dramatic changes were implemented to prevent counterfeiting.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing produced the 2003 Series $5 bills at both of its major facilities: the Washington, D.C. location and the Western Currency Facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Notes printed in Fort Worth are easily identified by a small “FW” designation to the left of the face plate number on the lower right of the note’s front. Uncut sheets such as the 4-note version were available for purchase through the BEP’s official currency sales program, which caters to collectors, educational institutions, and patriotic gift buyers. The sheet size offers a balance between display value and affordability, making it a popular configuration.
Although the exact number of 4-note uncut $5 sheets from the 2003 Series sold to the public is not widely published, these items were produced in limited quantities relative to standard circulating currency. Because they were not intended for daily financial transactions, their printing numbers were significantly lower, enhancing their rarity in the long term. Collectors often seek out specific serial numbers or particular plate combinations to complete a comprehensive set or match thematic collections related to U.S. presidents, Federal Reserve Banks, or note series transitions.
The notes in the 2003 $5 uncut sheet were printed on a distinctive blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen, the standard composition for all U.S. paper currency. This material gives the notes a unique texture and durability. Each sheet contains notes printed with exact alignment, featuring symmetrical margins and crisp borders, qualities that are especially important to collectors when evaluating condition and visual appeal. These sheets were typically distributed by the BEP in sealed protective holders that include an official emblem or certificate verifying the authenticity of the uncut notes.
The condition of this 4-note uncut sheet is listed as UNC, or Uncirculated, signifying that the notes have never been folded, handled, or otherwise subjected to physical wear. The paper remains bright and firm, the corners are sharp, and the ink retains its original vibrancy. No staining, creasing, or warping is visible, and the serial numbers are fully legible.