Such miss printed currency can be worth a great deal more than its face value, especially on large denomination notes like the fifty-dollar note.
As these distinctive errors are extremely rare and possess some unique qualities, collectors often will pay a premium price to obtain such treasures.
Here we take a look at five known errors of misprinted fifty dollar bills, along with an explanation of why these errors can reap an honest amount.
Misprinted $50 Bills Worth a Small Fortune
1. 1882 Double Denomination $50/$100 Bill
There is an error in printing the denominations across it, where From the obverse side of one of the rarest mistake notes in the history of USA, a 1882 Brown/Black Double Denomination note, the denomination $25 is printed, while on the reverse side a denomination $100 is printed. The same error is available in two different examples.
In 2023, one was sold at auction for a total of $70,500. The other is housed in the American Numismatic Association museum. Given how rare it is and how historic it is, this mistake is very sought after.
2. Inverted Overprint Error
In some cases, one side of the bill is printed inversely, in which case they are referred to as an inverted overprint. These errors occur mostly when paper is placed improperly in the printer.
Once entered the body of the journal, any state of fifty dollar bills bearing an inverted overprint may be worth anywhere from four hundred to five hundred fifty dollars, but it is more common on smaller bills.
3. Fold over Error
Fold over error occurs when the bill folds as it is being printed, resulting in either an incomplete or misaligned print.
The fold over fault is much more common on the lower-denomination bills, but it sold for around $2,000 for fifty dollars bills with this mistake. A bill’s value is directly proportional to the amount of dramatic fold it has.
4. Misaligned Serial Number Error
Misaligned serial number is a very sought-after error because it occurs only infrequently. This is due to the printer not leaving its correct position for printing properly on the back side of the bill by the numbering machinery. The value of a fifty dollar bill bearing this kind of inaccuracy could range between two hundred seventy-five dollars and four hundred dollars.
5. Ink Smear Error
Faults described as ink smears normally occur due to an overabundance of ink during the printing process. The extent of smear also indicates an amount that may be realized from this error in an errant bill worth fifty dollars. The overall value of which collectors place for the larger and more prominent is the smear.
| Error Type | Typical Value Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1882 Double Denomination | $70,500 | $50 on the front, $100 on the back |
| Inverted Overprint | $400 – $550 | One side printed upside down |
| Foldover Error | $2,000 | Bill folded during printing, causing misalignment |
| Misaligned Serial Numbers | $275 – $400 | Serial numbers don’t align correctly |
| Ink Smear | $100 – $175 | Excess ink causing a smear on the bill |
Why Are These Errors Valuable?
Because they are errors in a system designed for accuracy, misprints are treasures because they are scarce.
Take, for example, when a bill has to pass the quality control check and have an error to be considered a collector’s item. Several considerations affect the worth of a misprinted banknote; among them include:
- The error demand is also bigger if there are fewer bills circulating with the same fault.
- Used bills fetch a lower premium when compared to ones that are in mint condition or uncirculated.
- Error Characteristics: Some errors are more desirable than others. Double denominations and large printing misalignments are much rarer than tiny ink smears or fold over flaws and are thus much more valuable compared with the latter types of errors.
Conclusion
One of the rarest jewels which can make a small mistake to turn into a little fortune is an incorrectly printed fifty dollar bill. Error bills are very much in demand by collectors and does not matter if there is an overprint or if a serial number is not aligned properly.
If you are lucky enough to stumble over one in your collection or wallet get it appraised – you could be in possession of a priceless slice of the history of money.
FAQs
What are misprinted Federal Reserve notes?
Errors in printed currency design.
Why are misprinted notes valuable?
Collectors seek unique currency errors.
How to identify a misprint?
Look for design or alignment flaws.