Money Worth More Than
Most people glance at a wrinkled bill and shrug. But what if that crease isn’t just wear-and-tear — what if it’s a rare printing error worth hundreds of dollars?
Meet the gutter fold error, one of the most overlooked but valuable mistakes in U.S. paper currency.
🔍 What’s a Gutter Fold Error?
A gutter fold error happens when a bill folds before being printed. The result?
- A white strip or blank area where ink never touched
- Or a design that looks misaligned, stretched, or cut off
Think of it like this:
1️⃣ The sheet of currency folds during printing.
2️⃣ Ink misses the folded section.
3️⃣ When unfolded, the crease reveals a misprint worth money.
✅ Key difference: Normal wear = soft, uneven wrinkles. Gutter fold errors = sharp, clean misaligned lines.
💰 Real-Life Gutter Fold Sales
| Bill Type | Error Example | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| $1 Star Note | Small gutter fold | $2.50 |
| $2 Bill | Sharp gutter fold | $268.99 |
| $100 Bill | Large gutter fold | $500+ |
💡 These are circulating notes — meaning you could find one in everyday change!
🧐 What To Do If You Find One
- Check Carefully – Look for clean, sharp folds that break the printed design.
- Protect It – Store flat in a currency sleeve, never refold or crease it.
- Get It Graded – Professional services like PMG or PCGS Currency can authenticate and increase value.
- Sell Smart – Options include:
- eBay (huge collector demand)
- Online currency forums (serious buyers)
- Local coin & currency shops
📌 Final Tip: Always Check Your Change
That odd crease on your bill might not be damage — it could be a gutter fold error worth $500 or more.
So next time you get cash back at the store, take 5 extra seconds to scan your bills. One strange fold could pay your grocery bill, or more.
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