Rare misprints on U.S. currency can be worth much more than their face value, especially to collectors who appreciate these unusual and limited-production bills.
Misprints, or errors, happen during the printing process and can range from minor to dramatic, making them highly sought after by numismatists.
This article explores five rare misprinted $5 bills that collectors have valued at thousands of dollars.
Series of 1950 Misaligned Overprint
The Series of 1950 $5 bill is known for its misaligned overprint, which appears when the Treasury seal or serial number is out of place. These bills often feature shifted green or black ink, giving them a distinctive look.
The more dramatic the shift, the more valuable the bill. Collectors prize these misprints as unique artifacts from a production era with stricter manual processes.
Series of 1963 Inverted Serial Number
The Series of 1963 $5 bill is one of the most recognizable error bills, with its upside-down serial numbers. This misprint occurs when sheets were incorrectly fed into the press, resulting in an inverted serial number that stands out immediately.
Since the error is highly visible, these bills are popular with collectors, especially those in pristine condition.
Series of 1981 Missing Overprint
In some Series of 1981 $5 bills, the Treasury seal and serial numbers are completely missing, creating a visually striking error.
The absence of these key features makes the bill appear incomplete, and it’s this unusual look that captures collectors’ interest. Bills with missing overprints are rare, adding to their appeal and market value.
Series of 1995 Printed Fold Error
The Series of 1995 $5 bill is famous for its printed fold error, which happens when part of the bill is folded during the printing process.
This error leaves a blank area on the unfolded portion and is highly prized by collectors for its visual uniqueness. Bills with prominent folds and clear misprinting can command significant prices.
Series of 2003 Double Denomination Error
One of the rarest errors, the double denomination error, appears on some Series of 2003 $5 bills. These bills feature $5 designs printed on one side and another denomination on the other, such as $10.
This extreme error occurs due to an unusual printing oversight and is among the most desirable misprints for collectors, often valued in the thousands.
| Bill Series | Error Type | Description | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Misaligned Overprint | Treasury seal or serial shift | $500 – $2,000 |
| 1963 | Inverted Serial | Upside-down serial numbers | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| 1981 | Missing Overprint | Lack of Treasury seal and numbers | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| 1995 | Printed Fold Error | Blank area from printing fold | $2,000 – $7,000 |
| 2003 | Double Denomination | Different denominations on each side | $5,000 – $15,000 |
FAQs
Why are misprinted bills so valuable?
Misprints are valuable because they are rare and offer a unique variation from standard currency, making them highly collectible.
How can I determine the authenticity of a misprint bill?
You can have your bill examined by a professional currency grader or a reputable numismatist to confirm authenticity.
Where can I sell a rare misprinted $5 bill?
Rare bills can be sold through auction houses, online marketplaces, and specialized dealers in numismatics.
What factors affect the value of misprinted bills?
Condition, the rarity of the error, demand, and series influence misprinted bills’ value.
Is it legal to own and trade misprinted currency?
Yes, it is legal to own and trade U.S. currency with printing errors.
