Expert: Ronald Fern - 8/25/2011

Question
I have had in my possession for many years a 1990 series $20 bill
which I believe to be misaligned.  On the front it is cut on the bottom rigt at the dark portion of the bill, right under the "TWENTY DOLLARS"  The back is perfectly all right.  It has F3 in the upper left-hand corner on the front and F200 in lower right. On back it has 290 in lower right.  Can you advise if you have come across this before?   Do you need any further information?  
Thank you so much for your attention to this.

Answer
Hi Barbara:

Thanks for the opportunity to answer your question.

Based on the information you provided, as I understand it, the error you speak of is not severe enough to add any value to your note. It would have to be off centered where part of the next bill was showing. You don't say if the reverse of the bill is normal. If you want to ask a follow up question, and provide added information or a photo of the note, I'll revised my answer, if required.

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

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 coins and currency listings on eBay from time to time to see if your note is listed what this type of item 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. In an auction, you can set the price, and potentially get more.

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.