Collection

United States 1996 — 100 Dollars Federal Reserve Note, Chicago District (Friedberg 2175-G) Insufficient Inking Error, PMG 66 EPQ Gem Uncirculated

This 1996 100 Dollars Federal Reserve Note from the Chicago District (Friedberg 2175-G, AGB Block) presents one of the most striking examples of an Insufficient Inking Error recorded on a modern U.S. high-denomination note. The entire reverse is drastically under-inked: the normally bold depiction of Independence Hall appears as a pale, incomplete impression, with architectural outlines faintly visible but lacking depth and saturation. ... Read more →

United States 1996 — 50 Dollars Federal Reserve Note, Chicago District (Friedberg 2126-G) Insufficient Inking Error, PMG 65 EPQ Gem Uncirculated

This 1996 50 Dollars Federal Reserve Note from the Chicago District (Friedberg 2126-G, AGB Block) demonstrates a dramatic Insufficient Inking Error affecting the left side of the obverse. The portrait of Ulysses S. Grant remains fully defined, yet the surrounding text, borders, and background show substantial ink loss, fading into near blankness. ... Read more →

United States 1950A — 10 Dollars Federal Reserve Note, Chicago District (Friedberg 2011-G) Butterfly Fold Error, PMG 64 EPQ Choice Uncirculated

This 1950A 10 Dollars Federal Reserve Note from the Chicago District (Friedberg 2011-G, GB Block) displays a striking Butterfly Fold Error, one of the most visually dramatic mechanical mishaps encountered in modern U.S. currency production. During printing, a corner of the paper was unintentionally folded over, causing part of the note’s design to print on the folded flap and leaving an unprinted void once the fold was later unfolded. ... Read more →

United States 1988A — 1 Dollar Federal Reserve Note, Chicago District (Friedberg 1915-G) Insufficient Inking Error, PMG 64 EPQ Choice Uncirculated

This 1988A 1 Dollar Federal Reserve Note from the Chicago District (Friedberg 1915-G, GE Block) displays a dramatic Insufficient Inking Error that left much of the upper design on the obverse faint or missing. The portrait of George Washington remains clear and fully struck, but the border engraving, serial zone, and areas above the central vignette show patchy or absent ink transfer. This occurred during the intaglio face printing pass when the plate failed to receive an even ink layer or when the wiping cylinder overcleaned the plate prior to impression. ... Read more →

United States 1993 — 20 Dollars Federal Reserve Note, Chicago District (Friedberg 2080-G) Printed Tear Errors, PMG 64 EPQ Choice Uncirculated

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 1974 — 1 Dollar Federal Reserve Note, Chicago District (Friedberg 1908-G, GD Block) Paper Jam Error, PMG 45 Choice Extremely Fine

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 →