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United States Currency Errors
"A Currency Error is any note that does not meet the
minimum quality standards of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing but still
somehow manages to escape being pulled during the many human and mechanical
inspections." These errors include; cutting errors, folds and tears, inking
errors, missing prints, etc.
Check your notes and look for anything that's different.
Currency errors are one of
the most interesting area of paper money collecting. It is also a hobby
that can be pursued as easily as looking in your wallet or receiving
change in a transaction. Even severe currency errors sometimes circulate
for years before a knowledgeable collector finds it. If you can befriend a
bank teller he may be a great source for unusual currency. Of course,
dealers are the ultimate source for these items and specialists often try
to stock as many types as possible. See the gallery below for some
fascinating examples.
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The value ranges are for the most common types in grades AU or higher. Lower grade examples may be worth a great deal less. Denomination also plays a role and can add significantly to the value. |
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Easy to miss, one of the most subtle of currency errors is a pair of mismatched serial numbers caused by a stuck counter. Approximate value Range: $100 -$200 |
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Oops! The sheet was
flipped over and the Treasury seal and serial numbers were printed on the
wrong side! Approximate value range: $300 - $500 |
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The corner of a sheet was
folded before the third printing was applied. Approximate value Range:
$300 -$500. |
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If a sheet fails to enter
the printing press, the inked plates will transfer their image to the
impression cylinder. The next 6 or 7 sheets will receive the impression
from the cylinder while the other side of the note is being printed. The
result is an offset printing in reverse on the already printed side.
approximate value range: $200 - $300 |
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A dramatic series of 3
consecutive numbered ink smears on 1996 series $50 note. Approximate value
range $400 - $500 |
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This is a Major
Misalignment error. The front is normal. Approximate value range: $300
-$600 |
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This is a Inverted
Overprint on a VF 1935E Silver Certificate. The overprint on silver
certificates includes the Treasury Seal, both serial numbers, both
signatures and the series date. Approximate Value range: $150 - $400.
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This is a Inverted
Overprint on a VF 1969D Federal Reserve Note. The overprint on Federal
Reserve Notes only includes the Treasury and Federal Reserve seal, FRB
numbers and serial numbers. Approximate value range: $100 - $200.
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Gutter folds are one of the most common currency manufacturing error. It is caused by a fold in the paper at the time of printing. When the folded part is opened there is a blank streak or line where the paper was folded. Though simple gutter folds, similar to this 1950A Federal Reserve note are common, large gutter folds can be quite spectacular. Approximate value range for this simple gutter fold: $30 - $65 |
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