A Lucky Find in Everyday Cash
A simple trip to a coffee shop led to a stunning discovery for a New York man who found a 2024 $5 bill with a rare foldover print error in his wallet. At first glance, it looked like a normal bill, but a closer look revealed a strange printing mistake that made it worth $81,000 at auction. The story, shared widely on X, has people across the USA checking their $5 bills for similar errors. This rare find proves that everyday money can hide valuable treasures waiting to be noticed.
What Is a Foldover Print Error?
A foldover print error happens when a bill’s paper folds during printing, causing part of the design to be misprinted or missing. On this 2024 $5 bill, the foldover created a distorted Abraham Lincoln portrait and shifted the green Treasury seal onto the wrong area. Only a tiny number of these errors make it past quality checks at the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, making them extremely rare. The bill’s crisp condition and clear error drove its value to $81,000, as collectors love unique mistakes like this.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 2024 |
| Error Type | Foldover print |
| Denomination | $5 |
| Auction Value | $81,000 |
How to Spot the Error
Checking for a foldover error on a 2024 $5 bill is easy with a careful look. Start by confirming the series year “2024” near Lincoln’s portrait. Examine the front for a distorted or incomplete image, like a stretched face or missing details. The back may show misaligned elements, such as the Lincoln Memorial being off-center or cut off. Look for the Treasury seal or serial numbers in odd places. Use a magnifying glass to spot subtle signs, and keep the bill clean and unfolded to maintain its value.
| Identification Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Series Year | Check for “2024” |
| Front Design | Look for distorted Lincoln |
| Back Design | Misaligned Lincoln Memorial |
| Seal/Serial | Check for odd placement |
Why It’s So Valuable
The foldover error’s value comes from its rarity and eye-catching appearance. Printing mistakes like this are uncommon because modern presses have strict controls, so few errors reach circulation. Collectors prize these bills for their one-of-a-kind look and the story of how the paper folded during printing. The 2024 $5 bill’s near-mint condition and bold error made it a standout at auction. Recent X posts show collectors sharing photos of similar finds, encouraging others to inspect their cash for hidden gems.
What to Do If You Find One
If you find a $5 bill with a foldover error, handle it gently to avoid damage. Store it in a protective sleeve or between clean paper to keep it safe. Contact a currency grading service like PMG or PCGS to verify the error and assess its condition. These experts can confirm it’s genuine and help you sell it through auction houses like Stack’s Bowers or trusted dealers. A certified bill could fetch thousands, especially if the error is dramatic. Check X for tips from collectors on spotting these rare bills.
The Thrill of Checking Your Money
The $81,000 sale of this 2024 $5 bill shows that ordinary cash can hold extraordinary value. The foldover error’s unique look and scarcity make it a collector’s dream. Whether you’re pulling bills from your wallet or checking change from a store, a quick glance could reveal a fortune. Next time you get a $5 bill, look closely at the design and printing. You might just find a rare error that turns everyday money into a life-changing discovery.