5 dollars 1963

Common. Series 1963 $5 notes were produced in substantial quantities and remain widely available in the collector market. The 1963 series, though now over 60 years old, was printed for several years and represents standard circulation currency of the period. No specific print run restrictions, recalls, or extraordinary circumstances make this denomination and series scarce. Notes in AU condition command modest premiums over lower grades but remain affordable and relatively easy to acquire.

The 1963 $5 note was issued during the presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson, just months before the Kennedy assassination reshaped American politics. The design perpetuates the long-standing tradition of honoring President Abraham Lincoln, whose portrait graces the obverse while the Lincoln Memorial—dedicated in 1922—anchors the reverse, symbolizing the nation's reverence for Lincoln's legacy and the preservation of the Union. This series marks the continuation of the classical 1929-era design standards, which remained largely unchanged until the introduction of new security features in subsequent decades.

The obverse features a centered portrait of President Abraham Lincoln, rendered in formal 19th-century attire with characteristic bow tie, framed within a circular ornamental oval with decorative laurel wreaths flanking both sides. The portrait is surrounded by elaborate scrollwork and engraved flourishes typical of high-denomination currency security design. The red Treasury seal featuring an eagle emblem is positioned on the right side, with red serial numbers and denomination numerals in all four corners. The reverse displays the Lincoln Memorial in classical front elevation, showing the distinctive white columned portico with prominent pediment and steps, centered within an ornamental circular frame. Large green denomination numerals occupy all four corners, with inscriptions 'IN GOD WE TRUST' and 'THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' positioned prominently. The color scheme employs traditional black and red on the obverse with green ink reserved for the reverse, consistent with U.S. currency standards of the period.

Front Side: 'THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' / 'FIVE DOLLARS' / 'THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR ALL DEBTS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE' / 'WASHINGTON, D.C.' / 'SERIES 1963' / Serial number: 'A 63355919 A' / Treasury seal designations: 'H4' and 'H6' / Two signatures of Treasury officials (legibility limited in image). Back Side: 'THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' / 'IN GOD WE TRUST' / 'FIVE DOLLARS' / Denomination numerals: 'FIVE' and '5'

The note was produced using intaglio (engraved) printing, the standard security printing method for U.S. currency. The fine line engraving, intricate scrollwork patterns, and detailed architectural rendering of the Lincoln Memorial demonstrate the high-security intaglio process. The two-color printing (red on obverse, green on reverse) was accomplished through separate press runs. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), the sole authorized producer of U.S. currency, manufactured this note at one of its facilities (designated by the 'H' series plate position markers visible in the serial number area).

The 'H' plate position indicator visible in the serial numbering (H4 and H6 designations) indicates this note was printed at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis facility. The serial number 'A 63355919 A' places this note within the regular production sequence for the 1963 series. The two signatures present on the note identify the specific Treasury Secretary and Comptroller of the Currency in office during the 1963 issuance period. No unusual overprints, color variations, or printing anomalies are evident, confirming this as a standard production variety of the 1963 $5 series.