Expert: Joe Hylas - 7/17/2008

Question
I have a one dollar bill that has the face of Washington on the front (as it should be) and on the back as if it was ran through the top process on both sides. Hope that made sense. I am curious how this may have happened.

Thanks
Cindy

Answer
Hi Cindy,
When paper currency is printed, it is done in sheets of 32 notes, then it is cut.  I am guessing that the note you have has the portrait in mirror image (reversed).  If that is the case, it most likely occured when the sheet below that one still had wet ink and when the next sheet was laid on top, the image transferred.
If the image is not reversed, it may have gone through the press a second time, which is highly unusual and worth checking further.

The note you have does have collector value, but that value is based upon the condition of the bill and if it has been folded is or still crisp.

Regards,
Joe Hylas
www.AllCoins.US