Expert: Ronald Fern - 12/6/2009

Question
QUESTION: I've asked numerous people about this and can't seem to get an answer. I have a 1963 $1 bill, the front is no different then any other bill. The back is very different, the whole back side is yellow. Is this a misprint, or has somebody altered the bill? If it was altered, how is it possible to only affect one side? I've seen other bills like this out there, like on ebay and the dates that I have seen range from 1963 to 1977. I hope you can help me figure this mystery out. I e-mailed the BEP, but they really weren't any help.
Thanks, Steve

ANSWER: Hi Steve:

Thank you for your question.

I've seen this type of note before. Your bill was almost certainly exposed to something, perhaps bleach or detergent, that took out the blue component of the green ink leaving yellow.

An interesting curiosity but no extra numismatic value.

Here's link for you to view different types of real error currency and their values.
Link: http://www.coinsite.com/html/uscurrencyerrors.asp

You may want to check US currency listings under errors on eBay from time to time to see if bills like yours are offered for sale, and what they bring.

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. And check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: How does it not bleed through to the front side? Is there some sort of barrier between the two sides?

Thanks, Steve

Answer
Hi Again Steve:

Sorry I didn't state that. The black ink is not affected by the bleach when the bill is washed. Your bill was likely left in a pocket when it went through the wash and dry cycle. You may want to try two experiments for yourself on two dollar bills. Take one directly and apply bleach to the back side and see what happens. Take another bill and run it through the wash and dry cycle. Compare the two to your "error" bill you asked about, and let me know. They are still spendable, so don't worry.

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. And check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thanks again, and continued Good Luck in your collecting.