Expert: Ronald Fern - 1/24/2012

Question
i have what i think are 4 100$ bills that i think are misprinted do you have any advice or guidance for info from canada? and also im interested in 2 values monetary  and story how did the bills get like that? i wish i could send more then one pic the other pics show lines/slashes / missing paper ? the one pic that shows me very strange is this bubble so even if you cant value can you tell me how / what could cause this mark.

Answer
Scott:

Can't really see much from the attached photo. You don't say where the lines/slashes are or how long they are. My best guess is that they are creases or wrinkles, and the bumps are very small pieces of rag within the manufacture of the paper.

Based on the information you provided, it is difficult to value your note. The date and series of the bill is important to know. I don't feel they are likely rare.

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 currency listings on eBay from time to time to see if notes like yours are listed and 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). Your Canada contact is:    
CROSS, William K.    PNG #181 since 1971
Address:
CHARLTON PRESS
P.O. Box 820, Station Willowdale B
Station Willowdale B
North York, Canada  M2K 2R1
Website:  http://www.charltonpress.com
Phone:   
(800) 442-6042
Fax:    (800) 442-1542
Email:   chpress@charltonpress.com
Specialties:    Publishers of the Charlton Standard Catalogues.
Hours:    10-5

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.