Expert: Ronald Fern - 10/31/2009

Question
I have a 2006 series one dollar bill with no tears or folds..looks barely circulated. On the "tails" side you can clearly see the "heads" side has some how been printed over the "tails" side. Is this bill of any value other than a curiosity?

Answer
Hi Aaron:

Yes! Your error note, if authentic, has some value to interested collectors. Condition is important, as collectors want the best pieces in their sets. From your description, your error appears to be what is called an off set printing error. 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. The darker the image, along with condition of the note, the higher the value.

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 dried. 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.

You may want to check eBay listings under errors in the U.S. currency category from time to time to see what similar pieces actually bring. There are some "fake" currency errors on the market, and they are even listed on eBay. You may want to have your note authenticated, or at least looked at by a professional coin dealer. Most would offer an opinion as to authenticity and value at no charge.

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Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.