FR. 01 – 1861 $5 Demand Note New York PMG

Fr. 1. 1861 $5 Demand Note New York PMG 30 – VF

The 1861 Demand Note, issued in New York and graded PMG 30 Very Fine, is a rare and historically significant piece, known as the first official paper currency issued by the United States during the Civil War. This early Demand Note features a portrait of Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, symbolizing financial stability amid wartime. Its bold and simple design includes intricate border patterns and an impressive green overprint, a distinctive feature for anti-counterfeiting.

The reverse side features an elaborate green engraving that includes intricate geometric patterns and floral scrollwork, characteristic of early anti-counterfeiting designs. This design earned early Demand Notes the nickname “Greenbacks,” due to their distinctive green ink, which was chosen to deter forgery. With its Very Fine grade, this note retains strong details and moderate circulation wear, making it a highly sought-after collectible for its rarity and pivotal place in U.S. monetary history.