Offered here is a matched pair of $5 Federal Reserve Star Notes that share the same low serial number, 00029155★. One is a Series 1993 note from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. The other is a Series 1995 note from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Both were printed at the Western Currency Facility in Fort Worth, Texas, and both are graded by PCGS Currency with consecutive certification numbers. Matching serial numbers across different series and districts are a favorite among currency specialists, and a low five-digit star pair like this rarely comes up.
Grade: PCGS has graded the 1995 Atlanta note Gem New 66 PPQ. It has bright, original paper, bold inks, and well-balanced margins. The 1993 Chicago note grades Very Choice New 64 PPQ, also with crisp original paper and strong color. Its margins are slightly less even, which is likely what holds it at 64. The PPQ designation on both certifies original paper that has never been pressed or processed.
History: These two series were the last of the classic small-portrait $5 notes. The Series 1999 redesign brought a large off-center Lincoln portrait and new security features, and it replaced this design in 2000. The 1993 note bears the signature of Lloyd Bentsen and the 1995 note that of Robert Rubin, both Secretaries of the Treasury under President Clinton. Mary Ellen Withrow signed both as Treasurer of the United States.
Series: A star marks a replacement note, printed to take the place of a sheet damaged during production, so star notes always exist in smaller numbers than regular notes. The “FW” next to the face plate number shows these were printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s Fort Worth facility, which opened in 1991. Low serial numbers and matched serials are two of the most popular specialties in modern currency collecting, and this pair has both.
Curiosity Coins — Medway, Massachusetts | Est. 1999 | ANA • PCGS • NGC • Heritage Auctions Member / Buying & selling US and world coins, silver, gold, currency, and collectibles since 1999. Many auctions start at $5 — combined shipping always available. Questions welcome.