AI Appraisal Estimate

This is a United States Five Dollar Federal Reserve Note, designated as Series 1950 B. The bill features the portrait of Abraham Lincoln centered on the obverse. It was issued for the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, denoted by the 'J' letter and the corresponding numeral '10' visible in several locations. The note bears the serial number J26945330A, printed in green ink, which matches the color of the Department of the Treasury seal on the right side. The signatures of Ivy Baker Priest (Treasurer of the United States) and Robert B. Anderson (Secretary of the Treasury) are present, which period-correctly identifies this specific series sub-type. Physically, the bill shows signs of significant heavy circulation. The paper is heavily wrinkled, creased, and shows substantial soiling and foxing throughout, with visible brownish stains particularly on the upper left and center areas. The edges appear worn, though the overall structure remains intact within a plastic protective sleeve. This bill represents the transitional period of U.S. currency design before the addition of 'In God We Trust' and after the standard reduction of note size implemented in 1928.

I have examined the digital image of this Series 1950 B United States Five Dollar Federal Reserve Note issued by the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank. The signatures of Priest and Anderson correctly correspond to the 1950 B sub-series produced during the mid-1950s. While the note appears authentic based on the alignment of the late-style Treasury seal, serial number fonts, and fine-line engraving details, its value is significantly constrained by its physical condition. My visual inspection reveals the note is in 'Very Good' to 'Fine' condition at best, exhibiting heavy circulation, multiple deep vertical and horizontal creases, significant soiling, and brownish foxing/staining. In the current numismatic market, common-date 1950 series notes are abundant. Collector demand is almost exclusively focused on examples in 'Uncirculated' condition or those possessing 'Star' serial numbers or printing errors. Because this note lacks a rare district designation or a fancy serial number, its market value currently sits just above its face value, primarily serving as a curiosity or a space-filler for a novice collector. Please note that this appraisal is based on photographic evidence only. A definitive determination of authenticity cannot be made without a physical inspection to verify the paper’s cotton-linen texture, the presence of red and blue security fibers, and the depth of the intaglio printing. To confirm these findings, I would recommend a physical examination by a professional with a loupe or submitting it to a third-party grading service like PMG or PCGS if extreme rarity were suspected, though the cost of such grading would exceed the item's current market value.