Friedberg 282 – US Notes

The Lincoln Memorial Under Construction: How the 1923 $5 Silver Certificate Depicted a Building Not Yet Complete

June 15, 2026June 15, 2026 by

The 1923 $5 Silver Certificate captured an extraordinary historical moment, featuring the Lincoln Memorial on its reverse at a time when the monument had barely opened to the public. For collectors, this note represents a fascinating intersection of architectural history and currency design that makes it one of the most narratively rich pieces in any collection.

The 1923 $5 Silver Certificate Porthole Note: Abraham Lincoln Behind the Oval Window

June 15, 2026 by

The Series 1923 $5 Silver Certificate, nicknamed the ‘Porthole Note’ for its striking oval portrait of Abraham Lincoln, stands as one of the most visually distinctive large-size notes ever issued by the United States Treasury. This deep dive covers its design history, signature varieties, survival rates, and what collectors should know before pursuing one of these century-old beauties.