**Uncover the Hidden Value: Millions of Bills Share a Secret**
Imagine discovering that your stash of dollar bills is worth more than you thought. Well, according to LA News Center, that’s exactly what could be happening for millions of bills floating around.
**Double Trouble: A Number Mix-Up at the Printing Press**
Ten years ago, an awkward affair occurred at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Two of their printing facilities in Washington, D.C., and Fort Worth, Texas, were instructed to print millions of dollar bills. However, during the process, something went awry, resulting in a batch of bills with matching serial numbers – a major no-no in the world of currency production.
**Unveiling the Misprint: A Journey of Discovery**
This curious phenomenon remained unnoticed until two keen-eyed collectors, Ed Zegers and Karol Winograd, discovered the inconsistency. Their curiosity turned into Project 2013B, a mission to uncover the errant pairs. By the end of 2020, they had successfully identified 10 matching dollar bills, a testament to their determination.
**How to Identify Your Dollar Double**
Think you might have one of these unique bills in your wallet? Here’s how to check:
- Look for “Series 2013” printed to the right of President Washington’s image.
- To the left of his portrait, spot a seal with the letter “B” embossed within.
- Finally, check the serial number beneath: it should end with a star and fall within the ranges: B00000001 – B00250000 or B03200001-B09600000.
**The Value of Double Dollars: A Speculator’s Delight**
The intrinsic value of these duplicate bills may be just a dollar, but the novelty has ignited a frenzy among collectors. A pair of bills sold at auction by Stack’s Bowers in 2021 fetched a whopping ,200. Another pair reportedly found buyers on eBay for an astonishing ,000.
**Seek Expert Guidance: Ensuring Authenticity**
Before you start daydreaming about early retirement from your newfound fortune, it’s crucial to seek expert evaluation. As Dustin Johnson, Vice President of Numismatics at Heritage Auctions, emphasizes, “It’s important to speak with a verified expert for evaluation. Anyone can look at a banknote and put a grade on it, but it’s not guaranteed to be correct.” This due diligence will ensure you don’t fall prey to counterfeit or deceptively graded bills.
**Conclusion: A Rare Opportunity for Currency Enthusiasts**
The discovery of millions of misprinted bills has given numismatists and collectors alike a thrilling chase. While not all bills with these specific criteria are worth a fortune, the potential for finding a hidden gem keeps them searching. So, the next time you unfold a crisp dollar bill, take a closer look. You might just land on a piece of American currency history with an unexpected twist.
