$5 Silver Certificate Series 1953 (1953 through 1953B): How to Identify It
$5 Silver Certificate Series 1953, 1953 through 1953B: blue seal, every signature pair, design points and what to check. No prices.
At a glance
- Denomination: $5
- Series covered: 1953, 1953A, 1953B
- Type: Silver Certificate
- Seal colour: blue
- Signature pairs: 3 (one per series letter, listed below)
- Star notes: Yes
- Printed: From 1953
What this series looks like
Series 1953. In 1953 the $5 Silver Certificate received a minor redesign in step with the United States Note: the numeral 5 on the left and the FIVE on the right were both changed to gray, the Treasury seal was overlapped onto the gray FIVE, and the serial number remained blue.
Signatures by series letter
- Series 1953 — Priest (Treasurer) and Humphrey (Secretary), blue seal
- Series 1953A — Priest (Treasurer) and Anderson (Secretary), blue seal
- Series 1953B — Smith (Treasurer) and Dillon (Secretary), blue seal
The wording on the face
Same as the 1934 series (the page does not mention the obligation text being rewritten again for the 1953 series)
How to confirm the series
- A gray numeral 5 on the left
- A blue seal overlapping the gray FIVE on the right
- Blue serial number
Easily confused with
See above for the difference from the 1934 series (numeral/FIVE changed from blue to gray, seal moved to overlap it).
How value is judged
Collectors judge a $5 Silver Certificate Series 1953 by condition first (crisp and uncirculated versus folded or worn), then by whether it is a star note or carries a fancy serial number, then by the series letter and any recognised variety. Published price guides list ranges by grade and they move over time; this page gives none. Photograph both sides in even light and let the app read the series, seal and signatures before you compare.
FAQ
How do I know which Series 1953 letter my bill is?
The series year and letter are printed on the face near the portrait. If the letter is worn, match the two signatures against the list above; each letter has its own pair.
Is a $5 Silver Certificate Series 1953 still legal tender?
Yes at face value, but it can no longer be exchanged for silver; that redemption ended in 1968.
Does a star make my $5 Series 1953 note rare?
Only if its print run was small. The star alone does not.
Related
Sources
Updated 2026-09-11.