Collection PL

United States 1993 — 20 Dollars Federal Reserve Note Chicago District Printed Tear Error (Friedberg 2080-G)

This 1993 20 Dollars Federal Reserve Note from the Chicago District (Friedberg 2080-G, GA Block) represents one of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s most visually dynamic mechanical failures—a genuine Printed Tear Error, preserved in fully original condition. The note exhibits two sharply folded and partially torn corners that became creased before entering the final printing pass. When the sheet was fed into the intaglio press, the torn and folded segments prevented ink from transferring to those areas, leaving distinctive blank voids and offset impressions once unfolded. ... Read more →

United States 1935D — 1 Dollar Silver Certificate Butterfly Fold Error (Friedberg 1613W, IF Block)

This 1935D 1 Dollar Silver Certificate (Friedberg 1613W, IF Block) presents an exceptional Butterfly Fold Error, a visually dramatic mechanical mishap that occurred during the printing process at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. A portion of the note’s corner was inadvertently folded over before printing, causing part of the design to print on the folded flap while leaving a blank triangular void once the paper was unfolded. The result is a note that physically displays the three-dimensional evidence of its own creation error. ... Read more →

United States 1974 — 1 Dollar Federal Reserve Note, Chicago District Paper Jam Error (Friedberg 1908-G, GD Block)

This 1974 1 Dollar Federal Reserve Note from the Chicago District (Friedberg 1908-G, GD Block) presents a distinct Paper Jam Error—an uncommon and revealing production mishap that occurs when the currency paper fails to feed smoothly through the intaglio press or overprint unit. The result is a wrinkled or crumpled section of paper that becomes permanently flattened into the design, often distorting part of the printed image or leaving telltale creases and folds embedded beneath the ink. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s multi-stage process involves extremely fine tolerances, with paper sheets passing at high speed through multiple presses—first for back printing, then face, and finally for seals and serials. ... Read more →