How to Tell if a $5 Bill is Real or Counterfeit

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Learn how to spot fake cash (and what to about it)
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Think you found a counterfeit bill? The best way to spot a fake $5 bill is to examine its security features, like the watermark or security thread. The designs and security features of the $5 bill have changed since it was standardized in 1914, so we’ve broken down all the things you can look for in each design depending on the year of the bill. Keep reading to see all the ways you can spot a fake bill, plus how to report it to your local authorities.

Easiest Ways to Identify a Fake $5 Bill

Feel the surface of the bill to make sure the paper is slightly rough and the ink is raised. If the bill was printed after 1993, hold it up to the light and look for watermarks of the number 5 or President Lincoln’s face and a security thread running vertically on the left or right of Lincoln’s portrait.

Section 1 of 5:

$5 Bills Printed From 2008 to Present

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  1. Step 1 Find the two “5” watermarks on either side of the portrait.
    Hold the bill up to the light. On the left of President Lincoln and the 10 stars, look for the faint image of three 5s in a vertical line. To the right of the portrait, underneath the other 10 stars, is the image of a large 5. Both images are visible from both sides of the note.[1]
  2. Step 2 Hold the note to the light to see the security thread to the right of Lincoln.
    This thread runs vertically between the portrait and the Treasury seal. It’s imprinted with “USA” and “5” in an alternating pattern and is visible on both sides of the bank note.[2]
    • Look at the thread with an ultraviolet light to see if the thread glows blue.
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  3. Step 3 Examine the purple color of the bill from the center to the edges.
    The background of the center of the bill is light purple and blends to a dull grayish green near the edges.[3]
  4. Step 4 Feel the raised printing and unique texture of the bill’s paper.
    Move your finger along the surface of the bill to feel the raised printing. Federal Reserve note paper is made of ¼ linen and ¾ cotton, and feels slightly rough to the touch because of its unique printing process.[4]
    • Look for small red and blue security fibers embedded in the bill with a magnifying glass. Counterfeit bills might have fibers that are drawn or printed on instead of being part of the paper itself.[5]
  5. Step 5 Look for President Lincoln on the front and his memorial on the back.
    This $5 note has a portrait of President Lincoln without a frame around him, touching the bottom and top of the border. At the bottom is a banner that says “LINCOLN.” On the back is the Lincoln Memorial without a border and with “IN GOD WE TRUST” near the top.[6]
  6. Step 6 Look for the Federal Reserve and Treasury seals on either side of Lincoln.
    The black seal on the left of President Lincoln’s portrait is a black “UNITED STATES FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM” symbol. The green seal to the right of the portrait on top of the word “FIVE” represents “THE DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY” and has “1789” at the bottom.[7]
  7. Step 7 Find the microprinted text inside the border and on the shield.
    Use a magnifying glass to see “FIVE DOLLARS” inside the loops along the left and right borders of the bill, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” at the top of the shield on the Great Seal, and “USA” repeated on the columns of the shield.[8]
    • On the back of the bill, look for “USA FIVE” along one edge of the large purple 5.
  8. Step 8 Locate the Great Seal in purple to the right of President Lincoln.
    This United States symbol of freedom features an eagle, a shield, and a banner reading “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on either side. An arc of 20 purple stars surrounds both this seal and the portrait of President Lincoln.[9]
  9. Step 9 Find the large purple 5 on the back of the bill in the lower right corner.
    This large “5” helps people who have visual impairments distinguish this bill from other bills.[10]
  10. Step 10 Look for the green series numbers to the right and left of Lincoln.
    Each series number is made up of a unique set of numbers and letters that identify the bill. One series number is near the upper left corner while the other is below the Treasury seal.[11]
    • Make sure the serial numbers on each bill match and are evenly spaced. If you received multiple $5 bills, make sure the serial numbers on the bills are different from each other.[12]
    • The black number and letter below the left serial number represent the Federal Reserve Bank that distributed the note.
  11. Step 11 Identify the series year at the bottom right of President Lincoln’s portrait.
    To the right of Lincoln above the bottom border is the word “SERIES” followed by a year number. This design only includes the years 2006, 2009, 2013, 2017, and 2021.[13]
    • If your bill matches this design but has a different series year, it may be fake.
    • Make sure that the first letter in the serial number corresponds to the series year. G is 2004A, I is 2006, J is 2009, P is 2017A, L is 2009A, M is 2013, N is 2017, and Q is 2021.[14]
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Section 2 of 5:

$5 Bills Printed From 2000 to 2008

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  1. Step 1 Hold the bill to the light to see the embedded thread left of the portrait.
    This thread runs vertically down the note and includes “USA FIVE” and a small flag in an alternating pattern. You can find this thread on both sides of the note and it glows blue when placed under ultraviolet light.[15]
  2. Step 2 Hold the bill up to the light to see the watermark of President Lincoln.
    The faint image of the former president’s face can be seen in the blank space to the right of his portrait, between the border and the Treasury seal. This image can be seen on both sides of the banknote.[16]
  3. Step 3 Find the Federal Reserve and Treasury seals on each side of the portrait.
    Look for the black “UNITED STATES FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM” seal to the left of the portrait. On the left is a green seal for “THE DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY” with “1789” at the bottom and the word “FIVE” printed on top of it in black ink.[17]
  4. Step 4 Feel the raised printing and unique texture of the paper.
    Move your finger along the surface of the bill to feel the raised printing. Federal Reserve note paper is made of ¼ linen and ¾ cotton and feels slightly rough and of higher quality than other paper.[18]
    • Compare the texture of the bill to other $5 bills in the same series to see if it may be fake.
    • These bills also contain small red and blue security fibers that can be seen with a magnifying glass.
  5. Step 5 Look for President Lincoln on the front and his memorial on the back.
    This portrait is larger than it was on previous bills, touching the outer edge of both the bottom and top borders. At the bottom is a banner with “LINCOLN” printed on it. The back has a portrait of the Lincoln Memorial with “IN GOD WE TRUST” at the top of the frame.[19]
  6. Step 6 Inspect the microprinted words on the border and the edge of the portrait.
    Use a magnifying glass to search for the small printed words “FIVE DOLLARS” written inside the left and right decorative borders. Along the lower edge of the oval frame of President Lincoln’s portrait are the words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”[20]
  7. Step 7 Find the green 5 on the lower right of the back of the bill.
    This large solid-green number helps people with visual impairments distinguish $5 bills from other denominations.[21]
  8. Step 8 Locate the serial numbers that appear twice on the front of the note.
    One serial number can be found at the top left of the portrait and the other on the bottom right. Both are printed in green ink.[22]
    • Look to see that both serial numbers match and are evenly spaced. If you have multiple $5 bills, make sure the serial numbers on each bill are different from each other.[23]
    • The letter and number underneath the top number identify the Federal Reserve bank that distributed the bill.
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Section 3 of 5:

$5 Bills Printed From 1993 to 2000

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  1. Step 1 Hold the bill up to the light to see a thread to the left of the bank seal.
    The thread runs vertically down the note and is printed with “USA” and “FIVE” in an alternating pattern. This thread can be found on both sides of the note.[24]
    • If you have an ultraviolet light, hold it up to the bill to make sure the thread glows blue.
  2. Step 2 Find the words “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” around the portrait.
    Use a magnifying glass to search for the microprinting along the outer edge of Abraham Lincoln’s oval portrait frame.[25]
  3. Step 3 Look for the black Federal Reserve bank seal and the green U.S.
    Treasury Seal. The Federal Reserve seal is to the left of the portrait and the Treasury seal is to the left. The Federal Reserve seal has the name of the Federal Reserve bank with the United States seal or an “I” inside of it.[26]
    • The seal is made with the same green ink as the two serial numbers.[27]
  4. Step 4 Feel the bill’s texture and the raised ink along the note.
    Federal Reserve note paper is made of ¼ linen and ¾ cotton that feels slightly rough.[28] A real bill will have slightly raised ink you can feel just by brushing your finger across the surface.[29]
    • Use a magnifying glass to see the small red and blue security fibers throughout the bill.[30]
  5. Step 5 Find Present Lincoln on the front and the Lincoln Memorial on the back.
    This banknote includes a picture of President Abraham Lincoln in an oval portrait with the word “LINCOLN” on a banner at the bottom and large leaves on either side. The back is a picture of the Lincoln Memorial with “IN GOD WE TRUST” at the top of the frame.[31]
  6. Step 6 Locate the two green serial numbers near the top and bottom of the bill.
    The serial numbers are a unique combination of letters and numbers, found below the Federal Reserve seal and above the Treasury seal.[32]
    • Examine the numbers to make sure they match and that each number is evenly spaced.[33]
    • If you received multiple $5 bills, make sure the serial numbers on each bill are different from each other.[34]
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Section 4 of 5:

$5 Bills Printed From 1914 to 1993

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  1. Step 1 Examine the Federal Reserve and Treasury seals on either side.
    On the left side of Abraham Lincoln’s portrait, look closely at the black seal to see the name of the Federal Reserve Bank surrounding the number “5” or “4-D”. Examine the blue seal on the right side of the portrait to see the name of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.[35]
    • The U.S. Treasury seal changed in 1969 from the inscription “THESAUR. AMER. SEPTENT. SIGIL.” to “THE DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY” with “1789” at the bottom.[36]
    • The most valuable $5 bills are “greenbacks” printed from 1861 to 1929. 1929 is when the appearance of banknotes began to be standardized.[37]
  2. Step 2 Feel the bill for raised ink and compare the paper to verified $5 notes.
    Federal Reserve paper is ¼ linen and ¾ cotton, giving it a crisp, rough finish that feels different from other kinds of paper.[38] Genuine currency also has slightly raised ink that can be felt with your fingertips.[39]
    • Note paper also contains blue and red security fibers throughout the bill—look closely at the bill or use a magnifying glass to see them.
    • Bills from 1914 to 1929 measure 7.375 by 3.125 inches (18.73 cm × 7.94 cm) while bills from 1929 to 1993 are only 6.14 by 2.61 inches (15.6 cm × 6.6 cm).[40]
  3. Step 3 Look for Abraham Lincoln on the front and a special design on the back.
    A $5 bill printed during this time has a portrait of former President Lincoln on the front in an oval-shaped frame.[41] The picture on the back varies depending on the year that the bill was printed in.
    • Bills from 1914 to 1929: Shows the vignettes of Columbus looking for land and the pilgrims’ landing.[42]
    • Bills from 1929 to 1993: Pictures the Lincoln Memorial.[43]
  4. Step 4 Find the serial numbers to the left and right of Lincoln’s portrait.
    A unique combination of letters and numbers appears twice on the front of the $5 note. One is located on the bottom left of President Lincoln’s portrait and the other is above the Treasury seal to the right of the portrait.[44]
    • Check to make sure the serial numbers on each bill match and are spaced evenly.[45]
    • If you received multiple $5 bills, ensure that the serial numbers on the bills are different from each other.[46]
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Section 5 of 5:

Reporting Fake Bills

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  1. Report the suspected counterfeit bill to your local police station.
    If you live in the U.S. and you found a counterfeit banknote, immediately notify your local police. Make sure to tell them the physical characteristics of the person who handed you the bill, their license plate number, and the make, model, and color of their vehicle.[47]
    • If you live outside of the U.S., notify the U.S. Secret Service field office in your area.
    • Law enforcement authorities will then submit the suspected currency to your government’s federal law enforcement agency (like the United States Secret Service).[48]
    • If the banknote is found to be genuine, your local police will return it as soon as possible. If it’s counterfeit, you will not be reimbursed.[49]

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  • All real U.S. currency is legal tender, no matter how long ago it was distributed.[50]
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  • When comparing two bills, look for differences, not similarities. If a bill differs in any way from a verified bill, it’s probably fake.[51]
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  • Counterfeit detection pens aren’t always accurate, so the best way to identify a fake bill is to look at its security features instead.[52]
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  2. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  3. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  4. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/cashier-toolkit
  5. ↑ https://finance.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/detect-counterfeit.pdf
  6. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  7. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  8. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  9. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  1. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  2. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  3. ↑ https://finance.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/detect-counterfeit.pdf
  4. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  5. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/sites/default/files/downloadable-materials/files/en/dollars-in-detail-guide-en-2022.pdf
  6. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  7. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  8. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  9. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/cashier-toolkit
  10. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  11. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  12. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  13. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  14. ↑ https://finance.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/detect-counterfeit.pdf
  15. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  16. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/sites/default/files/downloadable-materials/files/en/5-1993-2000-features-en.pdf
  17. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/sites/default/files/downloadable-materials/files/en/5-1993-2000-features-en.pdf
  18. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  19. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/cashier-toolkit
  20. ↑ https://finance.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/detect-counterfeit.pdf
  21. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  22. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  23. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  24. ↑ https://finance.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/detect-counterfeit.pdf
  25. ↑ https://finance.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/detect-counterfeit.pdf
  26. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  27. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/bank-note-identifiers
  28. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/history
  29. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/cashier-toolkit
  30. ↑ https://finance.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/detect-counterfeit.pdf
  31. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/sites/default/files/downloadable-materials/files/en/5-1914-1993-features-en.pdf
  32. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  33. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/sites/default/files/downloadable-materials/files/en/5-1914-1993-features-en.pdf
  34. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/sites/default/files/downloadable-materials/files/en/5-1914-1993-features-en.pdf
  35. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/denominations/5
  36. ↑ https://finance.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/detect-counterfeit.pdf
  37. ↑ https://finance.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/detect-counterfeit.pdf
  38. ↑ https://www.federalreserve.gov/faqs/currency_12597.htm
  39. ↑ https://www.secretservice.gov/investigations/counterfeit
  40. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/sites/default/files/downloadable-materials/files/en/multinote-booklet-en.pdf
  41. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/sites/default/files/downloadable-materials/files/en/5-1914-1993-features-en.pdf
  42. ↑ https://finance.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/detect-counterfeit.pdf
  43. ↑ https://www.federalreserve.gov/faqs/currency_12597.htm
  44. ↑ https://www.uscurrency.gov/cashier-toolkit

About This Article

Andrew Lokenauth
Reviewed by:
Andrew Lokenauth
Finance Executive
This article was reviewed by Andrew Lokenauth and by wikiHow staff writer, Cheyenne Main. Andrew Lokenauth is a Finance Executive who has over 15 years of experience working on Wall St. and in Tech & Start-ups. Andrew helps management teams translate their financials into actionable business decisions. He has held positions at Goldman Sachs, Citi, and JPMorgan Asset Management. He is the founder of Fluent in Finance, a firm that provides resources to help others learn to build wealth, understand the importance of investing, create a healthy budget, strategize debt pay-off, develop a retirement roadmap, and create a personalized investing plan. His insights have been quoted in Forbes, TIME, Business Insider, Nasdaq, Yahoo Finance, BankRate, and U.S. News. Andrew has a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree (BBA), Accounting and Finance from Pace University. This article has been viewed 35,300 times.
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Co-authors: 5
Updated: May 24, 2024
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Categories: Counterfeit Money
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