Redesigned $5 Bill Gains Some New Features, Loses Some Old
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The first redesigned $5 bill, which will continue to feature the portrait of President Abraham Lincoln, will enter circulation on March 13 as part of the United States government's continuing efforts to stop counterfeiting.
The new bills, which will first be released in the U.S. and gradually in other countries as international banks place orders from the Federal Reserve, were designed with enhanced security features. They are:
- New watermark: When held up to the light, a large number "5" watermark is visible, located to the right of the portrait. It replaces the watermark portrait of President Lincoln found on older design $5 bills. Its location is highlighted by a blank window incorporated into the background design.
Security Thread: Also visible when held up to the light is the security thread, or plastic strip, that is embedded in the paper and runs vertically to the right of the portrait. The letters "USA" followed by the number "5" in an alternating pattern are visible along the thread from both sides of the bill. The thread glows blue when held under ultraviolet light. In older design $5 bills, the security thread was located to the left of the portrait.
Extra watermark: The redesigned $5 bill has a second watermark, a column of three smaller "5"s positioned to the left of the portrait. The watermark is part of the paper itself and can be seen from both sides of the bill when held up to the light.
Among the bill's new features are:
A new American symbol of freedom was added to the background. 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. The symbols of freedom differ for each denomination.
Portrait and Vignette: The oval borders around President Lincoln's portrait on the front, and the Lincoln Memorial vignette on the back have been removed. The portrait has been moved up and the shoulders have been extended into the border. Engraving details have also been added to the vignette, framing the Lincoln Memorial against a sky full of clouds.
Color: The most noticeable difference in the newdesign is the addition of light purple in the center of the bill, which blends into gray near the edges. Small yellow "05"s are printed to the left of the portrait on the front of the bill and to the right of the Lincoln Memorial vignette on the back
For free educational materials to prepare cash handlers and consumers to recognize the new design and protect against counterfeits, visit www.moneyfactory.gov/newmoney.
The new bills, which will first be released in the U.S. and gradually in other countries as international banks place orders from the Federal Reserve, were designed with enhanced security features. They are:
- New watermark: When held up to the light, a large number "5" watermark is visible, located to the right of the portrait. It replaces the watermark portrait of President Lincoln found on older design $5 bills. Its location is highlighted by a blank window incorporated into the background design.
Security Thread: Also visible when held up to the light is the security thread, or plastic strip, that is embedded in the paper and runs vertically to the right of the portrait. The letters "USA" followed by the number "5" in an alternating pattern are visible along the thread from both sides of the bill. The thread glows blue when held under ultraviolet light. In older design $5 bills, the security thread was located to the left of the portrait.
Extra watermark: The redesigned $5 bill has a second watermark, a column of three smaller "5"s positioned to the left of the portrait. The watermark is part of the paper itself and can be seen from both sides of the bill when held up to the light.
Among the bill's new features are:
A new American symbol of freedom was added to the background. 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. The symbols of freedom differ for each denomination.
Portrait and Vignette: The oval borders around President Lincoln's portrait on the front, and the Lincoln Memorial vignette on the back have been removed. The portrait has been moved up and the shoulders have been extended into the border. Engraving details have also been added to the vignette, framing the Lincoln Memorial against a sky full of clouds.
Color: The most noticeable difference in the newdesign is the addition of light purple in the center of the bill, which blends into gray near the edges. Small yellow "05"s are printed to the left of the portrait on the front of the bill and to the right of the Lincoln Memorial vignette on the back
For free educational materials to prepare cash handlers and consumers to recognize the new design and protect against counterfeits, visit www.moneyfactory.gov/newmoney.