Collection PL

Poland 1940 - 500 Zlotych Series B Unfinished Print Fragment (Pick 98)

An exceptional unfinished 500 złotych production remnant dated 1 March 1940, prepared for the Bank Emisyjny w Polsce during the German occupation. The note survives at an incomplete stage of manufacture, preserving a direct record of the printing process rather than the finished appearance of the issued currency. Read more →

United States 1993 - 20 Dollars Federal Reserve Note New York District Insufficient Inking Error (Friedberg 2079-B)

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. Read more →

United States 1950A - 10 Dollars Federal Reserve Note Chicago District Butterfly Fold Error (Friedberg 2011-G)

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. The result is a note with a pronounced triangular blank area extending beyond the normal border, creating the distinct 'butterfly wing' appearance that gives this error its name. Read more →

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

Unlike routine cutting or trimming errors, which occur after printing, a true printed tear is a press-stage event: the design was never applied where the paper surface was obstructed. These notes are valued not only for their dramatic appearance but also for what they teach about BEP mechanics. The strong registration elsewhere on the note confirms that the press was otherwise calibrated, making the tear itself the sole anomaly within an otherwise perfect production cycle. Read more →

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

From a technical and educational standpoint, butterfly errors are invaluable for demonstrating how mechanical stress, humidity, and press speed interact during the intaglio process. This particular example is especially striking for its perfectly preserved fold tab extending beyond the note’s frame, showing exactly how the paper folded during production. For collectors, such notes are more than curiosities-they are tangible evidence of how human and mechanical precision occasionally diverge, producing a one-of-a-kind anomaly that transforms a common note into a specimen of industrial history. 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. Read more →

United States 1969C - 10 Dollars Federal Reserve Note, Philadelphia District, Overprint Misalignment Error (Friedberg 2021-C, CB Block), PMG 35 EPQ Choice Very Fine

Overprint misalignment errors occur during the final stage of currency production, when the Treasury seal and serial numbers are applied in a separate printing pass after the primary intaglio face and back impressions. A slight sheet shift during this stage results in displaced overprint elements, producing a visually dramatic offset relative to the engraved design. In this example, the misalignment is clearly visible in the green seal and serial number placement, confirming a genuine production anomaly rather than post-issue damage. Read more →

United States 1950A - 20 Dollars Federal Reserve Note, Cleveland District, Misaligned Back Printing Error (Friedberg 2060-D), PMG 45 PPQ Extremely Fine

The Series 1950A 20 Dollars Federal Reserve Note from the Cleveland District, cataloged as Friedberg 2060-D, exhibits a documented Misaligned Back Printing Error. This production anomaly occurred during the back plate printing stage, when the reverse impression shifted relative to the front, creating visible displacement in the alignment of the reverse design elements. Read more →