Hello, I found a $20 bill in which the serial numbers & the Treasury Seal is not green, but instead blue. I've seen older bills with the blue ink but no blue on newer bills. When I Google searched & Google Lens searched, nothing came up for me. Any ideas? Please see the attached photo. Much appreciated in advance. Kim
When held up in the light, I can see the embedded security thread and the Andrew Jackson image on the right side. It seems very real except the blue ink.
There's someone here experienced with Error Notes here. Calling @SteveInTampa ! Looks real to me as well. I hope you solve these cool notes issue. Maybe it's an Ink mixing error if that is even a thing? I'm perplexed at the moment.
I’ve seen this before. Most of the time it’s on $5s, $10s and $20s. Sometimes it affects both serial numbers and sometimes just one. If it’s genuine, it’s explained as inkwell contamination. Sometimes it can be environmental damage, like harsh sunlight or chemicals. They almost always have to be submitted to a TPG to be authenticated.
I've read about notes having different colors due to being exposed to certain chemicals. Maybe that's the case here. https://antiquemoney.com/altered-colors-on-united-states-currency/ I would put that in a holder to protect it, then do further investigation.
Thank you very much for that article. Very interesting! I didn't purchase it for lots of money. It was given to me, as change, when I purchased something. I will take your advice and get it in a holder as soon as possible. If anyone could please explain more about the TPG and having it authenticated, that would be helpful. Thanks.
TPG is an acronym for "Third Party Grading" and it generally means that you have the bill examined and graded by a third-party service. Here is a good Wikipedia article on the subject: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third-party_grading As far as I am concerned, PCGS is the one that you want to use... Here is a link to their Banknote Grading portal: https://www.pcgs.com/banknote Good luck!
@OldDogEyes Thank you for the information. Looks like they are in Newport Beach, CA & I am in Carlsbad, CA. Not too far away. And thanks, I can sure use some good luck right now!!
