Five Dollar Bills from the 1890s

There are several different iconic designs for the five dollar denomination from the 1890s.  Treasury notes were only printed in the 1890s.  Silver certificates and national bank notes are the only other types of bills that were printed during that period that also have a date in the 1890s printed on them.

Perhaps the most well known and most popular five dollar bill ever (and certainly of the 1890s) is the Series of 1896 $5 silver certificate.  It is the highest denominated note from the famous educational series.  These notes are fairly rare and always in demand.

Another favorite five dollar bill is the Series of 1899 $5 silver certificate.  It is popular because it is the only piece of United States currency to solely feature a Native American as the central image.  These notes are far from rare.  However, in perfect condition they can be worth a couple thousand dollars or more.

The forgotten five dollar silver certificate from the 1890s is probably the Series of 1891 five dollar note.  It is just not very popular compared to other issues.  It also looks extremely similar to the much rarer 1886 issue.

Treasury notes were printed for several different denominations during 1890 and 1891.  The five dollar bill has a portrait of George Thomas.  Examples from 1890 are very rare.  1891 examples are relatively scarce as well, but they are not too popular.

Some national bank notes from the series of 1882 can have the years 1890, 1891, 1892, 1893, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1898, or 1899 printed on them.  Those dates correspond to when the bank originally opened or was rechartered.  It does not necessarily mean that the bill was printed in that year.  Those notes from that time period are known as second charter brown backs.  Some can be very rare.  The price range is generally about $250 to thousands of dollars.

Feel free to email us with questions.  We purchase all bank notes and are happy to provide free appraisals and offers on any piece of currency.  Sales@AntiqueMoney.com