Expert: Ronald Fern - 7/22/2011

Question
QUESTION: I have a 1996 100 dollar bill with the hologram (of president head) printed on the left side.  Is this bill worth more than a 100.00 are there many printed like this???

ANSWER: Hi Nancy:

Thanks for the opportunity to answer your question.

You likely have an error where the sheet (with the preprinted security information already on) was placed in upside down during the printing process. There likely was at least one sheet with the bills printed in this manner. The image you speak of should not only be on the opposite side, but upside down. Your error is likely quite scarce, and very collectible. Depending on condition, your bill is likely worth $1000 to $1500 to an interested collector.

Bills are printed in sheets of 32 notes and in three phases. The back is printed first and taken to a drying room. Next the front is printed and then allowed to dry. Last, the serial numbers and Treasury shield are printed in an overprint press. 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 more information, see: http://www.madehow.com/Volume-3/Paper-Currency.html

Link for history of the $100 bill: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_one_hundred-dollar_bill

You may want to check US coins and currency listings 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 notes, 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.

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: I also have come across a 1934 1000.00 bill is there any value in this one.  It is not in the best of shape.
Nancy

Answer
Hi Again Nancy:

Thanks for the follow up question.

Most $500 and $1,000 bills are quite common, and are typically worth only a small premium over face value. Circulated 1934 series notes are usually worth from $500 to $800 for the $500's and from $1,000 to $1,400 for the $1,000's, depending on condition.

For more information, see: http://www.oldcurrencyvalues.com/1934_1000_Bill.html

Please remember to go to the experts site to rate this answer. I hope you feel I should be nominated for top expert of the month. Only about half of the people asking questions even bother to read my replies. Half of them rate me. I do not get paid for this. It is my attempt to pay back the hobby for the wonderful education I've received through coin collecting. Check the nomination box on the rating page below any comments you may have.

Thank You Again and Continued Good Luck in your collecting.