If you’ve found a 1985 $5 bill in your collection or pocket, you might be wondering about its value. Is your $5 bill worth anything more than its face value, or is it just a regular bill? In this article, we will explore the value of the 1985 5 dollar bill, including the key factors that can affect its worth, including its series, condition, and special characteristics such as star notes or error bills.
If you’ve asked yourself “What is the value of a 1985 5 dollar bill?”, keep reading to discover all the details that can help you determine how much your note might be worth.
What Is A 1985 5 Dollar Bill?
The 1985 $5 bill belongs to the Federal Reserve Note category and was printed by the United States Bureau of Engraving and Printing. It was part of the redesign of U.S. currency that began in the 1980s, which aimed to make bills harder to counterfeit by introducing security features.
The 1985 series of bills still featured the portrait of Abraham Lincoln, a design that has been standard for the $5 bill since 1929.
This note, however, was printed with updated security features, including a security thread and microprinting.
The front of the 1985 $5 bill features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, which was based on a photograph taken by Anthony Berger at the Matthew Brady Gallery in Washington on February 9, 1864.
The back of the note depicts the Lincoln Memorial, an iconic landmark in Washington, D.C.
The 1985 series is part of a larger set of U.S. currency issues, and it holds significance in the history of paper money design. The bill is signed by Katherine Davalos Ortega, who was the Treasurer of the United States at the time, and James Baker III, the Secretary of the Treasury.
Specifications of the 1985 $5 Bill:
- Denomination: $5.00 USD
- Type: Federal Reserve Note
- Series: 1985
- Signature Varieties: Ortega and Baker
- Design: Portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the front, Lincoln Memorial on the back.
With this in mind, let’s now dive into the value of the 1985 5 dollar bill and what factors can influence its worth in today’s market.
How Much Is A 1985 5 Dollar Bill Worth?
If you’re wondering, “What is the 1985 5 dollar bill value?”, the answer will depend on a few different factors. For most 1985 $5 bills, especially those that have been in circulation for a while, their value is typically very close to their face value of $5. However, depending on their condition, some 1985 $5 bills may be worth a little more.
Generally speaking, a 1985 $5 bill in circulated condition will not be worth much more than its face value. However, bills in better condition or with certain rare features may be more valuable.
For example, an uncirculated 1985 $5 bill can fetch a higher price due to its pristine condition.
Here’s a general idea of what you can expect to get for your 1985 $5 bill:
- Very Fine Condition: A 1985 $5 bill in very fine condition (i.e., lightly circulated with minimal wear) is generally worth around $6. This means it’s worth a bit more than face value but is not considered rare or special.
- Uncirculated Condition (MS 63): Uncirculated bills, which have never been used in circulation and maintain their original crispness, can be worth around $17.50. The higher the grade, the more valuable the bill becomes. Uncirculated bills are often sought after by collectors for their pristine state and lack of wear.
How Much Is $5 in 1985 Worth Today?
To understand the 1985 5 dollar bill value in today’s terms, it’s useful to consider inflation. In 1985, $5 had more purchasing power than it does today. Adjusted for inflation, $5 from 1985 is worth roughly $14.67 today.
The dollar has experienced a cumulative price increase of about 193.31% over the past 40 years due to inflation, meaning that everyday goods and services now cost significantly more than they did in the 1980s.
While this might make the 1985 $5 bill seem less valuable in terms of purchasing power, the bill’s value to collectors depends on factors other than just inflation, such as its rarity, condition, and other features like star notes and error notes.
Star Notes: A Valuable Variation
One of the most valuable variations of the 1985 $5 bill is the star note. Star notes are replacement bills that are issued by the U.S. Treasury when a note is misprinted or damaged during the production process.
These bills feature a star symbol at the end of the serial number, indicating that they are replacement notes. Because star notes are less common, they tend to be more valuable than regular notes.
Here’s how the value of the 1985 $5 star note compares to regular bills:
- 1985 Series $5 Star Notes: A 1985 $5 star note in very fine condition can be worth around $20 to $30. In uncirculated condition with a grade of MS 63, the value can increase to around $65. Star notes are often sought after by collectors due to their rarity.
If your 1985 $5 bill has a star symbol at the end of its serial number, it could be worth a significant premium compared to a regular note. Star notes issued by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond are particularly popular among collectors.
Error Notes: Another Potential Source of Value
In addition to star notes, error notes can also be highly valuable to collectors. These notes are produced when something goes wrong during the printing process, resulting in unusual features or defects. Errors can range from misprints to wrong serial numbers or off-center printing.
Error notes are typically unique and can be worth more than their face value because of their rarity.
A specific example of an error note from the 1985 $5 series is the “end of roll” error. This occurs when two pieces of paper are improperly spliced together during the printing process. The spliced note is then printed with parts of both sheets, creating a distinct and irregular bill.
If you have a 1985 $5 error note, especially one with an unusual splice or misprint, it could be worth much more than a typical bill.
These types of error notes often require professional grading to determine their value accurately.
Grading System for 1985 $5 Bills
When assessing the value of a 1985 $5 bill, it’s important to understand the grading system used to evaluate the condition of currency notes. The grading scale ranges from 1 to 70, with 70 being a perfect note that has never been in circulation.
The higher the grade, the more valuable the bill becomes.
- Very Fine (VF): A bill that shows signs of light circulation, such as slight creases or folds. These bills are still relatively crisp but have been used to some extent.
- Uncirculated (MS 63): A note that has never been used in circulation and still retains its original crispness. These bills are in pristine condition and are more valuable than those that have been circulated.
How to Protect Your 1985 $5 Bill
If you have a valuable 1985 $5 bill, whether it’s a star note, error note, or simply in uncirculated condition, it’s important to protect it from damage to preserve its value. Store your bill in a protective currency holder or a sleeve designed specifically for paper money. This will help prevent any wear and tear that could reduce its value.
Conclusion: 1985 5 Dollar Bill Value
The 1985 5 dollar bill value largely depends on its condition, series, and any special features like star notes or errors. While most 1985 $5 bills are worth their face value or slightly more in very fine condition, star notes and error notes can be significantly more valuable. If you have a star note or a note with an error, it could be worth up to several times its face value, especially if it is in uncirculated condition.
To determine the value of your 5 dollar bill, consider factors such as the bill’s series, condition, and any unique features. If you believe your bill may have a rare characteristic, it’s always worth consulting a currency expert or having it professionally graded to ensure you’re getting an accurate estimate of its value.