Expert: Ronald Fern - 7/1/2011

Question
I have a 1996 $100 bill that is cut wrong on the front but perfect on the back.  Basically a small portion of the right side of the bill is on the left side also making all counterfeit detection out of line.  I have searched this many times and can never find anything on the topic do you know what the value of the bill may be?  Thank you!

Answer
Hi Lisa:

Thanks for the opportunity to answer your question.

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. 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.

For a note to be significant enough as an error, you actually have to see part of the next bill that is out of alignment on the front of your bill. If this isn't the case, the note has no added 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 coins and currency listings in the error category on eBay from time to time to see if your notes are listed what these type of items may bring.

If you live close to a local shop, they should offer an opinion as to the value and if it is authentic at no charge. Remember, should you choose to sell your note, get at least two estimates from professional coin dealers (PNG). I've listed a link for you to find them in your area. Link: http://www.pngdealers.com/dealersearch.php

Dealers normally pay between 50% to 60% of retail for items they want. You'd likely not get more than face value for this note, in my opinion.

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Thank You and Good Luck in your collecting.