What's My Paper Money Error Worth?

Prices for United States Paper Money Errors

Collecting currency errors is one of the most interesting area of paper money collecting, a hobby that can be pursued as easily as looking in your wallet or receiving change from a transaction. Even a severe paper money error may 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.

Some things to know before you look:

U.S. currency is printed three times in sheets of 36 subjects though there have been times when 12, 16 and even 18 subject sheets were made. The back is printed first and taken to a drying room. Next the front is printed and then allowed to dry. Last, the serial numbers and Treasury shield are printed in an overprint press. Though errors are unusual, quality control at the Bureau of Engraving stops most errors from reaching the public. With billions of notes printed each year, inevitably errors are missed and find their way to the numismatic market and ultimately to collectors.
The Back and front of notes have tiny numbers sometimes accompanied by a letter, that is usually placed to the right and identifies the printing plate number.
The Front of notes have tiny letter and number combinations, located to the left of the Treasury seal, that indicate the position that note occupied on the sheet. See how plate positions work.

The Gallery Note on values: 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.

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


Oops! The sheet was flipped over and the Treasury seal and serial numbers were printed on the wrong side! Approximate value range: $300 - $500

The corner of a sheet was folded before the third printing was applied. Approximate value Range: $300 -$500.

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

A dramatic series of 3 consecutive numbered ink smears on 1996 series $50 note. Approximate value range $400 - $500

This is a Major Misalignment error. The front is normal. Approximate value range: $300 -$600

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.

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.

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
United States Paper Money Errors: A Comprehensive Catalog & Price Guide

The Gallery
Note on values: 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.

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

Oops! The sheet was flipped over and the Treasury seal and serial numbers were printed on the wrong side! Approximate value range: $300 - $500

The corner of a sheet was folded before the third printing was applied. Approximate value Range: $300 -$500.

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

A dramatic series of 3 consecutive numbered ink smears on 1996 series $50 note. Approximate value range $400 - $500

This is a Major Misalignment error. The front is normal. Approximate value range: $300 -$600

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.

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.

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

United States Paper Money Errors: A Comprehensive Catalog & Price Guide