This magnificent $5 "Educational" Silver Certificate the last denomination, completes the trio of 1896 silver certificates. Until 1896, the majority of paper money issues featured portraits of notable American leaders or a vignette depicting a historic event or achievement. The series of 1896 Silver Certificates brought a new concept to paper money design.
Detailed Description of the Front/Back Design for the $5 Educational
The front of 1896 $5 Silver Certificate has an amazing allegorical subject titled Electricity Presenting Light to the World. Electricity is symbolized by a winged goddess centered with her feet landing on a map of the United States, carrying a bright bulb aloft. Jupiter, on the left, represents energy; Fame, with her trumpet, represents the nation's growth; and Peace, with a dove. A sight of the US Capital dome on the right side in the distance behind the depiction.
The Closer Look At The Front and Back Of The 1896 $5 Educational Note
The back design was envisioned by Thomas F. Morris and engraved mostly by G.F.C. Smillie, with portraits of Civil War heroes Ulysses S. Grant and Philip H. Sheridan on the both left and right sides. In the upper middle was an ornate winged female on the shield containing the giant “V” indicating the denomination.
Between 1896 and 1898, there are only three combination signature for the $5 Educational Note which is Fr.268, Fr.269 and Fr.270.
- Tillman-Morgan combination (used on Fr.268): This combination features the signature of James H. Tillman, who served as Register of the Treasury, and Thomas E. Morgan, who served as Treasurer of the United States during the other part of the time these notes were issued.
- Bruce-Roberts combination (used on Fr.248): Blanche Kelso Bruce, who served as Register of the Treasury, and Ellis H. Roberts, who was Treasurer of the United States during part of the time these notes were issued.
- Lyons-Roberts combination (used on Fr.270): This combination features the signature of Judson W. Lyons, who served as Register of the Treasury, and Ellis H. Roberts, who was Treasurer of the United States during part of the time these notes were issued.
The Story Behind the Creation of the 1896 Silver Certificates
In 1893, the Chief of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) commissioned three well-known mural painters to produce "scenic" themes for various denominations for the silver certificate series of 1896. The design job was completely done for the denomination $1, $2, $5, and $10. In the end, only the three lower denominations were ever created, resulting in the exquisite "Educational Notes" that is so highly regarded today, each of which has earned a high slot in The 100 Greatest American Currency Notes, with the $5 ranking fifth.
The lavish vignette from the front was originally drawn by Walter Shirlaw. Thomas Morris designed the back of the bill, and G.F.C. Smilie engraved the figures. The Series of 1896 $5 notes were released in 1897, a year after the date imprinted on them.
The Criticisms and Eventual Retirement of the Educational Series
Needless to say, while these silver certificates are highly regarded by numismatists in terms of art, also considered one of the most beautiful designs in the US Paper Money. However, at the time when it was just released. The whole series received vehement responses from the public about the half-naked design of the figure in the middle.
Most of the designs apply a lot of black ink making it difficult to identify because it is too dark and easily smudged. Criticism for the three silver certificates notes was so great that the government have to cancel the release of the $10 and other higher denominations. These three wonderful notes were forced to retire. And a new replacement series of the silver certificate was issued in 1899.
Collecting the 1896 $5 Educational Silver Certificates
The iconic 1896 $5 Educational Silver Certificate was the result of the hard work of well-known artists at the time and is today regarded as one of the most beautiful and elaborate designs ever released in US Paper Money history. It is also one of the scarcest denominations from the trilogy “Educational Series”.
Given their age, many of these notes have not survived in good condition. Paper money from this era was subject to wear and tear, including ripping, staining, and loss due to fires or other disasters. High-grade examples, meaning those in excellent condition with minimal signs of wear, are particularly rare.
We had a few examples available that are being offered on our site and waiting for a new home. Most of them were graded by third-party grading companies leading in the industry like PMG or PCGS.
