Most people spend their old $20 bills without a second thought… but some of them can be worth hundreds of dollars to collectors.
The secret? Rare printing errors that slipped past the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
Here’s your guide to spotting the most valuable examples.
🔥 3 Rare & Valuable $20 Bill Errors
1️⃣ Gutter Fold Error — Value: ~$138
- Caused when a bill gets folded during printing
- Leaves a blank, streak-like line where the ink skipped
- Often mistaken for damage, but it’s a real printing error
- Example: One gutter fold $20 sold for $138
2️⃣ Misplaced Black Seal — Value: ~$140
- Look at the black Treasury seal (left side of the front)
- If it’s printed off-center or in the wrong place, it’s an error
- The rest of the bill may look perfectly normal
- One note with this mistake brought $140 at auction
3️⃣ Missing Front Seal (Overprint Error) — Value: ~$600
- The green seal on the front is completely missing
- Back design still shows proper seals and serials
- Known as an overprint error
- One such $20 sold for $600
🔍 Why Error $20 Bills Are Valuable
✔ Printing mistakes are extremely rare, especially on older notes
✔ Collectors pay premiums for unique, eye-catching errors
✔ Even circulated bills can bring in strong prices
📌 How to Spot & Handle Error Currency
- Check both sides carefully for missing or misplaced seals
- Look for serial number misalignments
- Keep bills flat in protective sleeves — never fold them further
- For best value: get the note authenticated by PMG or PCGS Currency
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