U.S. five dollar bill

The U.S. five dollar bill ($5) is a denomination of United States currency. U.S. President Abraham Lincoln is currently featured on the front side of the bill, while the Lincoln Memorial is featured on the reverse side.

The $5 bill is sometimes nicknamed a fin, although this usage is far less common today than it was in the early 20th century.

Five dollar bills are delivered by Federal Reserve Banks in red straps.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing says the "average life" of a $5 bill in circulation is 24 months before it is replaced due to wear.

Obverse of the $5 bill (1928–2000)

Reverse of the $5 bill (1928–2000)

Pre-Federal Reserve history

1862: The first $5 note was printed with a portrait of Alexander Hamilton on the right of the face.
1869: A new $5 note was printed with a portrait of Andrew Jackson on the left of the face.
1886: A silver certificate $5 note with a portrait of Ulysses Grant on the right of the face.
1896: A really unusual silver certificate $5 note in that (unlike other series of U.S. currency where the opposite is true) the designs were on the front and the portraits were on the back! The portraits were Ulysses Grant on the left and Phillip Sheridan on the right.
1899: A new silver certificate $5 note with a portrait of Running Antelope on the face.

An 1896 $5 Silver Note

1914: Began as a large-sized note with a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the face
1928: Switched to a small-sized note
May 24 2000: Design changed to curb counterfeiting

United States currency and coinage

Topics: Federal Reserve note | United States Notes | United States coinage | United States dollar

Currency: $1 | $2 | $5 | $10 | $20 | $50 | $100 | Larger denominations