Very Unique 5 Dollar Bill

Today, The teenage receptionist at my doctor's office gave me a
strange looking 5 Dollar Bill as change. It's the old version with a
Series of 1963. What really makes this unique I thought was that the
serial numbers on the bottom left and the top right are printed in red
ink. Also, the round Treasury stamp in the center, right side of the
bill is also in red. The words on the stamp read in a circular
fashion: "Thesaur, Amer, Septent, Sigil". On top it reads "United
States Note" instead of "Federal Reserve Note". Behind the words "This
note is legal tender...." on the center left side, there is a faint
number 5 in the backround.Was this a special series of bill? Thanks.

On 9 Jun 2004 15:53:40 -0700, (Joe) wrote:

Today, The teenage receptionist at my doctor's office gave me a
strange looking 5 Dollar Bill as change. It's the old version with a
Series of 1963. What really makes this unique I thought was that the
serial numbers on the bottom left and the top right are printed in red
ink. Also, the round Treasury stamp in the center, right side of the
bill is also in red. The words on the stamp read in a circular
fashion: "Thesaur, Amer, Septent, Sigil". On top it reads "United
States Note" instead of "Federal Reserve Note". Behind the words "This
note is legal tender...." on the center left side, there is a faint
number 5 in the backround.Was this a special series of bill? Thanks.

Joe,

Sorry, but it's not a "World Cruise" item. What you've got, as you
might have guessed, is a "United States Note", usually abbreviated
USN. It's sometimes called a "Legal Tender" note because of the
obiligation ("This note is legal tender...") It can trace it's
lineage back to the first USNs, which were issued during the Civil
War. Either Seies 1963 or 1963A was the last of the $5 USNs, but
they're pretty common. It's still a nice find--usually, that red ink
really attacts attention.

If you compare the Treasury Seal on that bill with one on a current
note, you'll see that it's been simplified, and the writing is now in
English, but it's the same basic design.

take care,
Scott

It is not a Federal Reserve Note issued by a particular Fed Res Bank. It is
a direct obligation of the US Govt and is a 'remnant' of the financing plan
used by the Union to defeat the Confederacy during the 'unpleasantness' of
the early 1860's. The story is much too long to relate here; however, IIRC,
the Society of Paper Money website (www.spmc.org) has an explaination which
should answer most of your questions.

In any event, it is a very good find, historically, even if it isn't a big
hit financially... Anyway, you certainly got at the right price!!

Jay in Garrison, TX

reply, if ya' wanna, to

"Joe" wrote in message
m...
Today, The teenage receptionist at my doctor's office gave me a
strange looking 5 Dollar Bill as change. It's the old version with a
Series of 1963. What really makes this unique I thought was that the
serial numbers on the bottom left and the top right are printed in red
ink. Also, the round Treasury stamp in the center, right side of the
bill is also in red. The words on the stamp read in a circular
fashion: "Thesaur, Amer, Septent, Sigil". On top it reads "United
States Note" instead of "Federal Reserve Note". Behind the words "This
note is legal tender...." on the center left side, there is a faint
number 5 in the backround.Was this a special series of bill? Thanks.

I see that you already have the explanation so there's only one thing left I
can say: "Oh sure, I go to coin shows and search eBay auctions for these
and he gets them in change!"...... Congratulations



"Joe" wrote in message
m...
Today, The teenage receptionist at my doctor's office gave me a
strange looking 5 Dollar Bill as change. It's the old version with a
Series of 1963. What really makes this unique I thought was that the
serial numbers on the bottom left and the top right are printed in red
ink. Also, the round Treasury stamp in the center, right side of the
bill is also in red. The words on the stamp read in a circular
fashion: "Thesaur, Amer, Septent, Sigil". On top it reads "United
States Note" instead of "Federal Reserve Note". Behind the words "This
note is legal tender...." on the center left side, there is a faint
number 5 in the backround.Was this a special series of bill? Thanks.

"Warren and Paula Jo Merrill"
wrote in message ...
I see that you already have the explanation so there's only one thing left I
can say: "Oh sure, I go to coin shows and search eBay auctions for these
and he gets them in change!"...... Congratulations
"Joe"
wrote in message
m...
Today, The teenage receptionist at my doctor's office gave me a
strange looking 5 Dollar Bill as change. It's the old version with a
Series of 1963. What really makes this unique I thought was that the
serial numbers on the bottom left and the top right are printed in red
ink. Also, the round Treasury stamp in the center, right side of the
bill is also in red. The words on the stamp read in a circular
fashion: "Thesaur, Amer, Septent, Sigil". On top it reads "United
States Note" instead of "Federal Reserve Note". Behind the words "This
note is legal tender...." on the center left side, there is a faint
number 5 in the backround.Was this a special series of bill? Thanks.


No, I wasn't expecting a "World Cruise" or even one to Catalina with
this find. I was just curious from a historical standpoint, and yes, I
will hold on to it just because it's relatively unique. I've learned
by now that luck never comes in my direction anyway. Expect for that
one time in Reno when I got two whores for the price of one.