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5 Dollars Silver Certificate, 'Educational Series'
| Issuer | United States Treasury |
|---|---|
| Year | 1896 |
| Type | Standard circulation banknote |
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| Obverse description | The obverse is engraved in green intaglio after Edwin H. Blashfield's allegorical composition, centred on a winged figure of Electricity as the dominant force of the world, attended by reclining classical figures representing Science and Industry set against clouds and celestial light. 'UNITED STATES' runs in bold gothic lettering across the upper register, with 'FIVE SILVER DOLLARS' along the lower margin and large denomination numeral '5' in each lower corner. Two serial numbers and a red Treasury seal appear in the lower right area alongside the register of facsimile signatures. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse lettering | UNITED STATES THIS CERTIFICATE IS RECEIVABLE FOR CUSTOMS, TAXES AND ALL PUBLIC DUES, AND WHEN SO RECEIVED MAY BE REISSUED. FIVE DOLLARS FIVE DOLLARS SILVER CERTIFICATE |
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| Comments |
The 1896 Educational Series is widely regarded as the most ambitious large-size note the Bureau of Engraving and Printing ever produced — and it nearly destroyed the series that spawned it. Edwin Blashfield's allegorical design was a deliberate effort by Treasury officials to elevate American currency to the level of European fine art engraving. Schlecht's work translating Blashfield's painting into intaglio was technically extraordinary, requiring far longer press runs and resulting in higher production costs than standard issues.
The series was politically killed within a few years. Morality campaigners objected to the partially draped figures, and the notes were withdrawn by 1899. Tillman and Morgan signatures appear on the $5 denomination specifically, dating their production to a narrow window of less than three years.