Expert: Ronald Fern - 2/17/2011

Question
QUESTION: I was a teller in a bank in the 80's. In a shipment of new bills, I discovered a $10 that had absolutely nothing printed on the back of it. I kept it and the bill before it which was normal, but which has a serial number one digit lower. They have both been in a safe deposit box and have barely been touched. Any idea what they are worth?

ANSWER: Hi Gerry:

Thanks for your question.

It sounds like you may have a very scarce first print error. Condition is very important in establishing the value of your note. Bills are printed in sheets of 36 notes and in three phases. Reverse print, obverse print, and serial numbers with seal print. They then are cut and put into bundles of 100. Your error likely happened during the initial printing operation when at least two sheets stuck together and went through the print operation at the same time. It went unnoticed through the second and third print operation, inspection and cutting. The retail value of your note would likely be in the $300 to $500 range, depending on condition and interest. The extra note may add up to $50 to the value of the pair.

Here's a link for history of the $10 bill: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_ten-dollar_bill

Here's link for you to view different types of real error currency and their values.

Link: http://www.coinsite.com/html/uscurrencyerrors.asp

There is one $10 similar to yours for sale at $449.95 on eBay. See: http://cgi.ebay.com/1985-10-ERROR-MISSING-1st-BACK-PRINTING-XF-RICHMOND-/2205687

You may want to check US coins and currency listings on eBay from time to time to see if your currency is listed what these type of items may bring.

Here is a link to find a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to the value at no charge. Always try and get at least two opinions and try and deal with PNG dealers if possible. If you should decide to sell your items to a dealer, remember they will offer about 50% to 60% of the retail value. See: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. 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: Here is the back

Answer
Hi Gerry:

Nice photo and nice error. If you sell them, let me know what you get. If you would like a good friend and error dealer, contact Fred Weinberg at: http://www.fredweinberg.com/ He'll treat you right and offer you a fair price.

Continued good luck in your collecting.