Description and research notes
A dramatic production flaw on this 1995 5 Dollars Federal Reserve Note from the San Francisco District (Friedberg 1985-L, L Block) reveals an Intaglio Insufficient Inking Error — a condition in which portions of the face plate failed to receive adequate ink during printing. The result is a visibly faded or incomplete impression across the left side of the note, most noticeable in the top and bottom '5' corner medallions and border scrollwork. The green Treasury seal and serial numbers remain fully struck, confirming that the error occurred during the black intaglio face pass, prior to the overprint stage.
Although the PCGS label describes the note as “Underinking on Face,” the more technically precise classification per Bureau of Engraving and Printing standards is 'Insufficient Inking Error.' In such cases, the wiping cylinder or inking roller fails to properly recharge with fresh ink between sheets, leaving sections of the design starved of pigment. The engraved lines, especially in high-relief portrait zones, appear flat and lack their usual depth and sheen.
Certified PCGS 58 PPQ Choice About New, this note retains original embossing, crisp paper, and full color fidelity in unaffected areas. The subtle fold that prevents a higher grade does not detract from the visual impact of the printing flaw, which cleanly exposes the mechanics of Bureau of Engraving and Printing intaglio production. Errors of this nature are seldom preserved in near-uncirculated condition — most were caught during press inspection or quickly worn out in circulation.
This note stands as a textbook case for understanding intaglio ink distribution and its failure points. It bridges art and engineering — showing how even the smallest ink shortfall in a high-volume printing run can transform a standard Federal Reserve Note into a tangible piece of printing history.