5 dollars 1914
About This Note
This is a Series of 1914 $5 Federal Reserve Note (Pick 359b) in Fine condition, representing one of the earliest issues from the newly established Federal Reserve System. The note features a striking bearded portrait on the obverse within ornate decorative borders, while the reverse displays classical allegorical scenes depicting American historical narratives. Despite visible circulation wear including creasing, foxing, and overall patina consistent with early 20th-century currency, this note retains excellent eye appeal and represents an important piece of early Federal Reserve currency history.
Common. Series of 1914 $5 Federal Reserve Notes were issued in substantial quantities across all twelve Federal Reserve districts. While early Federal Reserve issues have historical significance, this particular Pick number (P-359b, the New York district 2-B variety) remains common in the collector market. The Fine condition grade is typical for circulated examples of this note type. No print run restrictions, recalls, or short-lived issuing circumstances apply to this series, and examples regularly appear in the secondary market at modest valuations appropriate to their common status.
Issued in 1914, just months after the Federal Reserve Act of December 23, 1913, this note represents the initial wave of Federal Reserve currency that fundamentally transformed American monetary policy. The classical allegorical scenes on the reverse—depicting landing and settlement activities—reflect the contemporary artistic tradition of celebrating American colonial history and westward expansion. The '2-B' Federal Reserve district designations indicate this note was issued by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the nation's primary financial center.
The obverse features a central portrait of a distinguished bearded gentleman in formal 19th-century attire with a bow tie, positioned within an elegant oval frame. This portrait appears to represent a prominent American statesman, though the specific identity would require additional historical documentation. The design is framed by elaborate ornamental borders with floral and geometric patterns characteristic of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's 1914 design aesthetic. Federal Reserve seals appear symmetrically on both left and right sides, each marked with the district designation '2-B'. The reverse displays two classical allegorical vignettes: the left side depicts a scene suggesting the colonial landing or early American settlement with multiple robed classical figures, while the right side portrays figures engaged in settlement or industrial/agricultural activity. These scenes are separated by ornamental central design elements and framed by decorative borders. Large denomination numerals '5' appear prominently in all four corners. The color scheme transitions from black and cream on the obverse to teal and green tones on the reverse, a distinctive characteristic of Series of 1914 $5 notes.
FRONT: 'FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE' (note type identification); 'THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' (issuing authority); 'WILL PAY TO THE BEARER ON DEMAND' (redemption promise); 'FIVE DOLLARS' (denomination); 'WASHINGTON, D.C.' (seat of government); 'AUTHORIZED BY FEDERAL RESERVE ACT OF DECEMBER 23, 1913' (legal authorization); 'SERIES OF 1914' (issue date); Serial number 'B135379B'; District designation '2-B' (Federal Reserve Bank of New York). BACK: 'FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE'; 'FIVE DOLLARS'; 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA'; Multiple '5' denomination numerals in corners; Fine print at bottom contains authorization and treasury redemption language (standard for all Federal Reserve Notes of this era).
Intaglio printing by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), the sole printer of all U.S. Federal Reserve Notes. The intaglio method—which involves engraving images into steel plates and forcing ink into the recessed areas—produced the fine line work visible in the ornate borders, portrait details, and allegorical scenes. The quality of impression and clarity of fine details observed in the note are consistent with high-quality intaglio production. Security features include multiple interlocking design elements, complex border patterns, and the serial number/district combinations, all designed to prevent counterfeiting.
This note is identified as Pick 359b, specifically the $5 Federal Reserve Note issued by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York (District 2-B). The serial number B135379B indicates a New York district note (B prefix). Series of 1914 $5 notes exist in multiple district varieties (1-A through 12-L), with differences in district designations and corresponding serial number prefixes. No overprints or special designations are visible on this example. The note represents the standard Series of 1914 design without variants such as red seals (which appear on Legal Tender issues of the same era) or blue seals (Series of 1918).
