Top 5 Rare Misprint $5 Bills That Could Be Worth Thousands

Rare misprints on U.S. currency can be worth much more than their face value, especially to collectors who appreciate these unusual and limited-production bills.

Misprints, or errors, happen during the printing process and can range from minor to dramatic, making them highly sought after by numismatists.

Here are the five rare misprinted $5 bills that collectors have valued at thousands of dollars.

Bill Series	Error Type	Description	Estimated Value Range
1950	Misaligned Overprint	Treasury seal or serial shift	$500 – $2,000
1963	Inverted Serial	Upside-down serial numbers	$1,000 – $3,500
1981	Missing Overprint	Lack of Treasury seal and numbers	$1,500 – $5,000
1995	Printed Fold Error	Blank area from printing fold	$2,000 – $7,000
2003	Double Denomination	Different denominations on each side	$5,000 – $15,000

Series of 1950 Misaligned Overprint

The Series of 1950 $5 bill is known for its misaligned overprint, which appears when the Treasury seal or serial number is out of place. These bills often feature shifted green or black ink, giving them a distinctive look.

The more dramatic the shift, the more valuable the bill. Collectors prize these misprints as unique artifacts from a production era with stricter manual processes.

Series of 1963 Inverted Serial Number

The Series of 1963 $5 bill is one of the most recognizable error bills, with its upside-down serial numbers. This misprint occurs when sheets are accidentally fed into the press incorrectly, resulting in an inverted serial number that stands out immediately.

Since the error is highly visible, these bills are popular with collectors, especially those in pristine condition.

Series of 1981 Missing Overprint

In some Series of 1981 $5 bills, the Treasury seal and serial numbers are completely missing, creating a visually striking error.

The absence of these key features makes the bill appear incomplete, and it’s this unusual look that captures collectors’ interest. Bills with missing overprints are rare, adding to their appeal and market value.

Series of 1995 Printed Fold Error

The Series of 1995 $5 bill is famous for its printed fold error, which happens when part of the bill is folded during the printing process.

This error leaves a blank area on the unfolded portion and is highly prized by collectors for its visual uniqueness. Bills with prominent folds and clear misprinting can command significant prices.

Series of 2003 Double Denomination Error

One of the rarest errors, the double denomination error, appears on some Series of 2003 $5 bills. These bills feature $5 designs printed on one side and another denomination on the other, such as $10.

This extreme error occurs due to an unusual printing oversight and is among the most desirable misprints for collectors, often valued in the thousands.

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