United States Paper Money Collection

Series 2006 $5 Federal Reserve Note Security Features

The redesigned $5 bill retains two of the most important security features that were first introduced in the 1990s and are easy to check. There are now two watermarks on the redesigned $5 bill. A large number "5" watermark is located to the right of the portrait, replacing the previous watermark portrait of President Lincoln found on older design $5 bills. Its location is highlighted by a blank window incorporated into the background design. A second watermark — a column of three smaller "5"s — has been added to the new $5 bill design and is positioned to the left of the portrait. The embedded security thread, which is located to the left of the portrait on older-design $5 bills, has moved to the right of the portrait on the redesigned $5 bill. The letters "USA" followed by the number "5" in an alternating pattern are visible along the thread from both sides of the bill. Similar to the $10, $20 and $50 bills, the new $5 bill also features the addition of color — light purple in the center of the bill, which blends into gray near the edges — and a new symbol of freedom — The Great Seal of the United States, featuring an eagle and shield - is printed in purple to the right of the portrait of President Lincoln. An arc of purple stars surrounds the portrait and The Great Seal.

"555" Watermark

"5" Watermark. To the right of Lincoln's portrait, the embedded plastic security strip can be seen.

The embedded plastic security strip glows blue under ultraviolet light. Series 1999 $5 Federal Reserve Notes have the security strip to the left of Lincoln's head.

Microlettering on the border.

Microlettering on the eagle's shield.