1902 Series $5.00 Banknote . Washed?

I have a charter 252 small sized note. It's a common bank but to me it's a nice note. If it was washed it was a long time ago. I like the note it's a nice VF grade which is what I collect. When you list it let us know.

I'd say the signatures on this are especially bold, so if it was indeed washed, it did not damage the bill much. I'd check to see if the bill has any scent, since that's a giveaway on some washed bills. Barring that, Based on the condition of the bill and comparing it to what is "normal" on ebay, I think you are okay to just post it without a caveat.

Thanks everyone for your feedback -- I really appreciate the help.

It has no smell, as one of the comments suggested checking for, and doesn't look anything like the known-washed examples I've seen online

So based on that, and the majority opinion, I think I'll go ahead and list it as is. I offer no-questions, free returns so the buyer can always return it at no cost if they disagree.

It will be up on ebay later tonight. Seller name: shenandoah.blue.

Thanks again.
- Rob

Captaincoffee, these signatures will typically not show signs of washing because they are engraved signatures, not hand signed or stamped. Basically you could wash it multiple times and they would probably still appear bold. The note may not have been washed recently but it could have been long ago. Many large size notes were washed in the 80's and 90's and were left with a web like folding pattern. The back side of the note shows considerable circulation but the note appears exceptionally bright. That is sometimes a sign a note could have been washed long ago and then stored. Can we say with certainty, no, but I wouldn't discount the possibility. In my opinion this note may have been washed long ago. If submitted for grading I don't think this note will earn an EPQ even though it appears bright for the grade.

Captaincoffee, The best resource for learning details about nationals is United States Large Size National Bank Notes by Peter Huntoon. A lot of the nuances concerning nationals is in that book.

To expand on the previous topic. Many collectors have heard you want to avoid washed notes. This is kind of a half truth within our hobby. The notes you want to avoid are the ones washed with strong detergents and were scrubbed clean. These notes show substantial ink loss and a worn away look. Avoid may be too strong a word. You don't want to pay higher grade or original paper prices for these kinds of notes. On the flip side many notes were washed long ago and remain perfectly fine collectibles. They show clear signs of heavy circulation but still bright in appearance with no substantial signs of ink loss or rubbing. These notes make great collectibles. The types of notes where this is most noticeable is the 1914 FRN red seal series. A note from this series washed with a strong detergent and rubbed will absolutely ruin the red seal and thus the note. However if it was washed with a mild detergent and not scrubbed the seal will lighten some, but it still remains a viable collectible. Both notes were washed, but one was ruined and the other still makes a fine collectible. So while many notes were washed long ago it's how a note was treated that truly matters.

That is very interesting.

Thanks again to all who have replied. I was delayed in getting the note listed on ebay the other night, but it is up now for anyone who is interested.
Thanks!