I picked up a strap of new (2006 B) $1's this AM from my bank. At first I thought it I saw a fingerprint on the back but I then noticed that all of the notes had this marking. Some are more pronounced then others. I am guessing that since it's so minor that these would be spenders. Thoughts? Thanks.
this question comes up constantly!!! this is not an error, it's just offset ink from the note it was next to in the strap. it occurs just after printing, when the notes are stacked one on top of another, and placed under some pressure while the ink has not yet fully dried. the shape you are seeing as a fingerprint are the dark areas of Washington's jacket in the center portrait from the face of the next note.
From the image of the reverse only that we see posted, this note looks like it may be at the very least Choice New (unc) despite the ink, being on the reverse. It's not centered too well so that will affect grade/value as well. I personally do not feel the ink necessarily affects eye appeal greatly, but some collectors may look for a cleaner note or pay less if they settled for the note. Could this technically be Gem 66 or a Super Gem?... maybe, but I'm not certain if factors that occur during printing are considered for bumping down a grade when a TPG reviews the note for grading. I'd guess that the note can be in the 66 or 67 range and knowing that it's been handled a bit in a strap, but eye appeal could determine that lower based on the subjective feelings of the individual grader vs. collector. Here are PCGS' grading standards and PMG's scale. I should add that we really must see both sides of the note to grade it at all and I am overly generalizing at this point.
I have to agree with krispy on this one. It's not an error, just transferred ink. Additionally, I have to agree with krispy's remarks on grading this note. While it will not bring the highest level of grades, it very well could still be considered in the upper 60s, without the ink transfer knocking it down. I believe that the "eye appeal" and centering issue would keep it from achieving about a 68; however, I am not a professional grader myself.
