This is one i got from my dad. I just noticed that you can see some of the printing from the front while looking at the back of the bill.
After I saw this thread, I took out some of my paper currency and I notice that on some of the bills (where there is a "white" field on the reverse side of where the front serial and other numbers are printed), I can see some of the numerals that are printed on the front of the bill when I look at it from the "reverse." Is there something unusual about this? I ask with all sincerity. Thanks in advance
Great history behind these notes. Originally issued in 1933-4 during the worst of the Great Depression. Only a little over 30% were issued at that time with the remainder being called into service in December 1942, during WWII. There’s an excellent article about the history of these notes in the Jan/Feb issue of Paper Money magazine.
When you have what looks like ink from the reverse on the obverse, or the ink from the obverse on the reverse, it's not because the ink is wet and got there when it was cut and stacked. There are varying degrees of "offset ink transfer" the darker the better. It's when the note accidentally touches the inking bed and the ink is transferred that way. Back in the 80's I had a few 1's that were seriously dark ink transfers, I didn't know what it was, I didn't think it was uncommon. I didn't think to save them. Big mistake. If the transfer is very light, there's no additional value.
On mine, it doesn't look like the ink seeped through from the obverse to the reverse. And it doesn't look like another bill obverse was pressed against the reverse of this bill (although only the first few obverse serial number letters/digits can be seen from the reverse so I couldn't be absolutely sure about that, I guess). I can simply see the letters/digits of the beginning of the serial number when I put the bill down on my desk, from the reverse and I am in a rather low light condition right now. I don't know if this is what you are talking about. It looks like a series 1996 (don't have my magnifying glass at my side right now) @Michael K
The ink doesn't seep through. Because the bill is cotton and linen. Sometimes you can see certain that, because the lettering and stuff is raised on the bill. (Intaglio?) There is some pressure. If you run your finger over a new bill you can feel it's not flat.
I just as looking up and reading about "intaglio' the other day after another well known CTer used the term. Now I will have to go reread and see if it applies to this effect you are describing. I wish I did not have to earn a living - I would be glad to simply look up stuff all day and learn. But, alas. . . back to the old grindstone for now. P.S. Thanks a heap @Michael K ! Now you have me wondering what it is about the combination of cotton and linen that makes it impervious to ink seepage. I am remembering printing (with inkjet printer) with pigment inks onto cotton and linen (never a blend though) and having some instance of ink seeping through to the reverse side of the sheet depending on the level of saturation I selected on the printer. Just an aside. Actually, I like having interesting questions to look up.
