5 cents 1964
“series 611”
About This Note
This is a beautiful uncirculated example of a 1964 U.S. Army Military Payment Certificate in the 5 cents denomination, Series 611. The note displays crisp intaglio printing with vibrant blue/purple and pink/rose coloring, featuring a classical female portrait on the front and an ornamental denomination numeral on the reverse. The note exhibits no wear, creasing, or stains, with excellent color saturation and printing clarity throughout, making it a desirable specimen for military currency collectors.
Common. Military Payment Certificates from Series 611 in the 5 cents denomination were produced in substantial quantities for distribution to U.S. military personnel worldwide. The 1964 issue date represents the height of MPC circulation during the Cold War, with millions of notes produced. Uncirculated examples are readily available in the collector market at modest prices, as many notes were preserved in original condition due to the formal military handling protocols. No specific scarcity factors are associated with this Pick number.
Military Payment Certificates were issued by the U.S. Army for use in overseas military establishments during the Cold War era. The 1964 Series 611 represents the standardized MPC system used to prevent currency black markets and maintain financial control in military zones. The classical aesthetic and security features reflect the formal security printing standards of the early 1960s, while the restrictive usage statement emphasizes the certificates' exclusive purpose for authorized military personnel.
The obverse features a classical female profile portrait with flowing hair facing right, positioned on the left side of the note. The central area is dominated by ornate decorative elements including intricate geometric patterns and star-like ornamental corner designs. Circular denomination markers displaying '5' are positioned at the upper left and right corners. The reverse design centers on a large ornamental numeral '5' surrounded by symmetrical decorative floral and leaf scroll designs. Both sides employ intricate wavy line patterns and geometric backgrounds characteristic of intaglio security printing. The overall design aesthetic is formal and classical, consistent with mid-20th century U.S. government security printing standards.
FRONT SIDE: 'MILITARY PAYMENT CERTIFICATE' (central designation); '5' (denomination numeral at upper corners); 'SERIES 611' (series designation); '55' (series number); 'H09171819H' (serial number); '5 CENTS' (denomination in words); 'FOR USE ONLY IN UNITED STATES MILITARY ESTABLISHMENTS — BY UNITED STATES AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE RULES AND REGULATIONS.' (usage restriction statement). BACK SIDE: 'MILITARY PAYMENT CERTIFICATE' (arc text at top); '5' (large ornamental denomination numeral, centered); 'FIVE CENTS' (denomination in words); 'FOR USE ONLY IN UNITED STATES MILITARY ESTABLISHMENTS — BY UNITED STATES AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE RULES AND REGULATIONS.' (usage restriction statement).
Intaglio engraving with multi-color printing. The note employs a two-color printing scheme in blue/purple and pink/rose inks on white stock. The fine line work, intricate geometric patterns, and decorative botanical-style ornaments are consistent with traditional steel plate intaglio engraving. This is characteristic of Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) production methods for Military Payment Certificates of this era. The complex background patterns and multiple color layers serve as anti-counterfeiting security features.
Series 611, as indicated on the obverse of this note. The serial number visible is H09171819H, which helps identify the specific printing batch. The series designation '55' appears on the front. No unusual varieties, overprints, or printing errors are evident in this specimen. The note represents standard production for its series and denomination.
