Description and research notes
This 1993 20 Dollars Federal Reserve Note from the New York District (Friedberg 2079-B, BD Block) is a superbly preserved example of an Insufficient Inking Error that drastically weakens the reverse printing. The normally dark green depiction of the White House appears faint and washed out, with many architectural and background details missing. Only fragments of the design—such as the central columns, the inscription 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA', and the denomination numerals—remain clearly visible. The obverse, however, printed normally, confirming that the error occurred during the second intaglio pass dedicated to the reverse.
This kind of production fault is caused when the intaglio plate receives too little ink or when the wiping cloth removes excess pigment unevenly across the surface. Because each sheet is printed under heavy pressure, insufficient ink application yields these pale, ghost-like impressions. Severe cases like this one are very seldom seen in high-denomination modern notes, as they typically fail Bureau of Engraving and Printing quality-control inspection.
The combination of an exceptional printing anomaly and PMG’s 67 EPQ Superb Gem Uncirculated grade makes this note an outstanding study specimen for modern U.S. error specialists. It offers a pristine example of both technical imperfection and production precision: a flawless sheet that escaped destruction despite its striking defect. The result is a note that simultaneously showcases the artistry of late 20th-century U.S. engraving and the fallibility of industrial-scale printing technology.
Among 1990s Federal Reserve issues, Insufficient Inking Errors are disproportionately rarer on 20 Dollar notes than on lower denominations. Its immaculate condition, full embossing, and strong paper originality combine with the dramatic fade of the back printing to make this one of the finest survivors of its type recorded by PMG.