1862 $5 Legal Tender

This 1862 $5 Legal Tender Note, Fr. 61a, represents a cornerstone of American monetary history as one of the first federally issued paper currency notes. Born from the financial pressures of the Civil War, these "greenbacks" marked the federal government's initial foray into paper money production.

Graded Very Good 10 by PMG, this note shows the expected wear from extensive circulation during the turbulent 1860s. Multiple horizontal and vertical folds are evident across both sides, with the paper displaying the characteristic softness that comes from heavy handling. Despite the circulation, the intricate engravings remain clearly defined, from the classical female figure on the left to Hamilton's portrait on the right. The green overprint "FIVE DOLLARS" remains bold, and the reverse maintains its ornate green patterns with good definition. The paper quality is sound for the grade, with no major tears or missing pieces that would detract from its historical significance.