This 2021 $10 Bill With Double Printing Was Found in Circulation: In the world of currency collecting, rare printing errors can transform ordinary bills into extraordinary treasures. That’s exactly what happened with a 2021 $10 bill that was discovered with a rare double printing error — and is now worth a staggering $39,000.
A Rare Discovery in Circulation
In 2023, an unsuspecting individual received a 2021 $10 bill as part of their change during a routine transaction. At first glance, the bill looked normal, but upon closer inspection, it revealed a striking error: a double print. This means the design was printed twice — one perfectly aligned, and another slightly shifted, creating a “ghosted” appearance.
Currency printing errors are not new, but genuine double printing is one of the more uncommon and desirable types of errors. When authenticated by professional grading services, these bills can command huge premiums in the collector market.
What Makes This $10 Bill Special?
The value of a misprinted bill largely depends on several factors — rarity, condition, denomination, and the type of error. In this case, multiple elements worked in the bill’s favor:
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Error Type: Double printing is a high-value mistake.
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Denomination: $10 bills with errors are less common than $1 or $5 errors.
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Date: 2021 is a recent print year, and such an error making it into circulation is very rare.
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Condition: The bill was in excellent shape, almost uncirculated.
When it was evaluated by experts at PMG (Paper Money Guaranty), it received a grade of 66 EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality), which significantly boosted its market value.
From Wallet to Auction Block
After its discovery, the $10 bill was submitted to a reputable currency grading service for verification. It quickly gained attention from collectors and auction houses.
At a currency auction held in late 2023, this misprinted bill attracted fierce bidding. Despite starting at just a few thousand dollars, intense interest drove the final price up to $39,000, shocking even seasoned collectors.
This case highlights how valuable rare error bills can be, even if they start out in everyday circulation.
Types of Currency Printing Errors
| Error Type | Description | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Double Printing | Design is printed twice, creating a layered or ghost image | $1,000 – $50,000+ |
| Misalignment (Off-center) | Design shifted too far from center | $50 – $1,000 |
| Ink Smears | Ink blots or smudges caused by printing issues | $20 – $500 |
| Cutting Errors | Bill is cut improperly, sometimes showing parts of another bill | $100 – $5,000 |
| Missing Print Layer | One of the standard print layers is missing (like serial numbers) | $200 – $10,000 |
Why Do Printing Errors Happen?
Despite strict quality control at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), mistakes do occur. Currency is printed in multiple layers using large presses, and any mechanical malfunction, paper misfeed, or human error can lead to misprints.
In most cases, these bills are caught and destroyed before leaving the facility. However, a small number manage to escape — and when they do, they can become highly valuable.
What To Do If You Find a Misprinted Bill
If you believe you’ve found a bill with a printing error, follow these steps:
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Don’t Spend It – Obvious, but crucial. Hold on to the bill.
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Inspect It Carefully – Look for unusual features like overlapping prints, missing elements, or smudges.
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Do Not Clean or Flatten It – Keep the bill in its current state to preserve its value.
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Get it Graded – Submit the note to a professional grading service like PMG or PCGS Currency.
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Consider Auctioning It – If verified as a genuine error, you may want to list it with a reputable auction house.
FAQs
Q1: What is a double printing error on currency?
A: A double printing error occurs when a note is printed twice with the same or overlapping design, resulting in a shadow-like duplication of elements.
Q2: How can I tell if my bill is valuable?
A: Look for errors like double prints, misaligned cuts, or missing serial numbers. Then, check the bill’s condition and get it graded.
Q3: Where can I get my bill authenticated?
A: Trusted services include PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) and PCGS Currency, which evaluate, certify, and grade currency.
Q4: Is it legal to sell misprinted U.S. currency?
A: Yes. As long as the bill is genuine U.S. currency and not altered, it is legal to collect and sell it.
Q5: Can new bills still have printing errors?
A: Absolutely. While rare, printing errors can occur on any denomination or series, including recent ones like the 2021 $10 bill.
Final Thought
The discovery of the 2021 $10 bill with a double printing error serves as a reminder that treasures can be hidden in plain sight. While most of us use cash without a second thought, taking a closer look at the money in your wallet could reveal something truly valuable. So next time you receive change, pause — you might just be holding the next $39,000 bill in your hands.