Food Coupon — Five Dollars
Food Coupon · Federal Food Assistance Program
Historical Context
Portrait Design:Since the mid-1970s, the five-dollar coupon has carried the portrait ofThomas Jeffersonnext to the Liberty Bell — the same scheme that was maintained until the end of the paper program, including the 2000-B Series.
Instrument of exchange, not legal tender:the text “NON-TRANSFERABLE EXCEPT UNDER CONDITIONS PRESCRIBED BY THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE” makes it clear that this coupon was not freely transferable money, but a voucher for restricted use, redeemable only for food in authorized stores.
The end of the physical coupon:the role of the program was replaced by EBT cards. The 2008 Farm Bill prohibited the issuance of physical coupons and, since June 2009, they have stopped being redeemed in commerce.
Obverse (top) and reverse (bottom) — Series 2000-B, #B02732959U — Collection of Notophilia.com
Key Details Visible on the Coupon
- Left vignette:portrait ofThomas Jeffersonwith Monticello and the legend JEFFERSON.
- Center:Liberty Bell over a field of stars.
- Right:guilloché cartridge with VALUE 5 DOLLARS.
- Color:purple/violet ink on light paper.
- Warnings:DO NOT FOLD OR SPINDLE and the non-transferability clause.
Sources
- Paper Money Forum — Collecting Food Coupons (post-1975 design with Jefferson/Hamilton)
- USDA/Food and Nutrition Service — History of the Food Stamp Program/SNAP
- Numist — U.S. Food Stamp Catalog