Coin and Paper Money Collecting/10 dollar bill

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Expert: - 1/17/2010


Question
I have a $10 bill dated 1977 that looks as if it was cut too close to the ink at the top of the bill.  How much are these typically worth and where can I put it up for sale?  Thanks

Answer
Hi Ben:

Thank you for your question.

Actually, it sounds like you may have one of the more common paper errors, a slight cutting error. Condition would be a factor in determining the value of your piece. This error happened during the final phase, as the 32 note sheets were being cut. There are likely others in your group that may have been issued with a similar error.

Your note would be approximately worth $15 to $25 to an interested collector, depending on the notes condition and if any of the design of the bill is missing. If you have a star note (replacement for original note damaged or not up to quality standards) or an unusual serial number, it could be worth more.

Here's link for you to view different types of 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.

As far as selling your note, again, eBay would be a good option where you may get close to full retail. If you have a local coin shop, and they are interested in your note, you'd likely get no more than face value plus a couple of bucks.

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.

Coin and Paper Money Collecting

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Ronald Fern

Expertise

I can answer most all questions relating to US coins, tokens, and currency. I'm not strong on world coins or ancients. Primary field of expertise is errors and varieties. Over 55 years experience in coin collecting. Part time dealer since 1976. Employed by McDonnell Douglas/Boeing for over 34 years as an Industrial Engineer/Technical Specialist before retiring in 2002.

Experience

Worked weekends for "Lonesome" John in the late 1960's to mid 1970's processing error coins, packaging, and preparing orders. Worked with John Devine and Fred Weinberg on several California Error A Rama's in the early 1970's. Served as display judge at annual Error-A-Rama coin shows. Opened and operated mail order coin business DBA "CAL ERRORS" in 1976. Contributer to Alan Herbert's "Official Price Guide To Mint Errors" and Fivaz/Stanton "Cherrypickers' Guide". Worked Saturdays at Huntington Beach Coin Exchange 1980-1999. Had table and sold coins at a number of coin and gun shows in So CA, AZ and NV. Sell coins, tokens and currency currently at my space in the Pomona Antique Center. Past "Errorscope" Editor. Presently CONECA Examiner.

Organizations
ANA, CONECA, CWTS, NLG

Publications
Errorscope, Numismatic News, Civil War Token Journal, Error and Variety News

Education/Credentials
AA Degree LBCC pre Engineering, 1964 BS Degree CSULB Ind Technology, 1968

Awards and Honors
1st Place EAR Trophy for Civil War Token Errors, NLG Author of Year Award for best monthly coin column "Error News and Views" in small Numismatic paper, owned and published by Ray Anthony.

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