Hello all! Was wondering if anyone could shed some light on whether to go ahead and spend it or keep this 20? Thanks!
Keep it, keep it. You've got a printing offset (serial numbers on top of signatures) as well as a missed cut. Put it in a banknote holder to keep it from getting any more wear on it. Congrats! Dave
It is an error. The first printing on the face is misaligned. The first printing consists of the frame, portrait, signatures and the word TWENTY next tot he portrait. The serial numbers and seals are aligned properly as is the back.
That is one of the first major error notes I have seen in a long time. How did you acquire this note?? It sure is a beautiful find and you should be proud of it. -tbud
DaveM, lettow, tbud and Cazkaboom - thanks for your quick replies. I think I got this note around 1998, at the BX on Whiteman AFB; a long time ago for me. 20 bucks was a lot for me back then, but I figured it was messed up a little so I tucked it away in a folder and forgot about it until a couple of days ago.
Dang that's nice, definitely keep it or send it to me! I really need to start buying some bricks again.
What you have is a 2nd printing, that is off register. The rev 1st printing is OK. The 3rd obv seems to be OK. So, when the note was printed and cut, it was snot noticed, and got out. Nice find.
US Paper Money Errors By Dr. Frederick J. Bart calls it a moderate faulty alignment and gives values of $100 in fine, $200 in EF and $350 in CU on pg 62.
That is so neat micahshere! I think real world eBay, you wouldn't have a problem getting $60-$80 for that note. But I think it would be cooler to hang on to it. It would a great conversation piece now that you know it's a legit B.E.P. error! Hey and welcome to the site... BTW: B.E.P. stands for Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Yea, Yea, websites and TV always get that one wrong! I can't get through a week without seeing a website bunching coins and currency together as being made at the mint. Only coins are made at the mint, and currency and at one time stamps are made at the B.E.P.
michashere: Looks like a nice find you made all those years ago. Whether you decide to keep it or sell, consider having it authenticated and encapsulated by either PMG or PCGS Currency to verify it's authenticity (especially if you plan to sell it) and to protect it from further bumps or accidents while in your care. Thanks for sharing this with CT.
