How to Tell if a 5 Dollar Bill Is Fake
Protect yourself and others by learning how to confidently assess the authenticity of a $5 bill and respond to counterfeits.
Identifying counterfeit currency is an important civic responsibility that helps protect individuals and the broader economy from financial harm. While advanced technology can make distinguishing genuine currency from fakes more challenging, understanding the security features of a $5 bill empowers the public to detect counterfeits.
Immediate Visual and Tactile Checks
Genuine U.S. currency is printed on a unique blend of 75% cotton and 25% linen fibers, giving it a distinctive feel that differs from ordinary paper. Running fingers across the bill, particularly over the portrait, seals, and borders, should reveal a slightly raised texture from the intaglio printing process. This tactile quality is difficult for counterfeiters to replicate.
Holding a $5 bill up to a light source reveals its watermarks, which are images embedded within the paper. On redesigned $5 notes (issued 2008-present), two watermarks are present: a large numeral “5” located in the blank space to the right of President Lincoln’s portrait, and a column of three smaller “5”s to the left. These watermarks should appear distinct. Older series $5 bills may feature a portrait of Abraham Lincoln as the watermark.
An embedded security thread runs vertically through the paper of a genuine $5 bill. On current designs, this thread is located to the right of the portrait. When held to light, the thread is imprinted with the letters “USA” and the numeral “5” in an alternating pattern. Under ultraviolet (UV) light, this security thread glows blue.
The large numeral “5” in the lower right corner on the back of the $5 bill is printed in a distinct purple color. This purple coloration helps those with visual impairments distinguish the denomination.
Examining Fine Details and Printing
Closer inspection of a $5 bill can reveal intricate security features. Microprinting is present in several areas. For example, the words “FIVE DOLLARS” are repeated inside the left and right borders of the note. Additionally, “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears at the top of the shield within the Great Seal, and “USA” is repeated between the columns of the shield. On the back of the bill, “USA FIVE” appears along one edge of the large purple “5.” This microprinting should be clear and sharp.
Genuine U.S. currency paper also contains small, randomly dispersed red and blue security fibers embedded throughout the paper. These fibers are an integral part of the paper itself. Counterfeiters may attempt to imitate these by drawing or printing them on, but examination will reveal they are not truly embedded.
Two unique serial numbers appear on the front of the bill. These serial numbers should be evenly spaced and perfectly aligned. The color of the serial numbers should match the color of the Treasury Seal.
The Federal Reserve Seal is located to the left of the portrait, while the green Treasury Seal is to the right. Both seals should exhibit sharp, clear printing. Any signs of jagged edges, breaks, or smudges in these seals could indicate a counterfeit bill.
Responding to Suspected Counterfeits
If a $5 bill is suspected of being counterfeit, it is important to handle it carefully to preserve potential evidence. Do not return the suspected counterfeit bill to the person who passed it. Limiting direct handling of the bill can help maintain its integrity for examination by authorities.
Discreetly observe and note any details about the individual who passed the bill, such as their description, clothing, or direction of travel. Gathering information about the circumstances of the transaction, including the time and location, can also be helpful. This information aids law enforcement in their investigations.
Report the suspected counterfeit currency to local law enforcement, such as the police department, or directly to the U.S. Secret Service. Individuals can contact their local Secret Service Field Office. Reporting and surrendering suspected counterfeit currency is important to prevent its further circulation and to support law enforcement efforts in combating counterfeiting.