A shocking sales result has currency collectors buzzing: a $5 bill featuring a mismatched serial number recently sold at auction for $71,000. These bills are extremely rare, and when found in excellent condition, they can command thousands—even tens of thousands—above face value. If you handle money daily, it might be worth checking your wallet.
What Is a Mismatched Serial Number Error?
- Normal $5 bills have two serial numbers printed: one at the top left and another at the bottom right. These numbers should be identical.
- A mismatched serial number error occurs when these two serial numbers differ—by one digit, a flipped digit, missing or extra digit, or similar printing/plating issue.
- Such errors are usually caught during quality control at printing facilities. Only a few notes with this kind of error escape into circulation, which makes them so rare and valuable.
The $71,000 Bill – Key Details
Here are the known details about the particular bill sold for $71,000:
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Denomination | $5 bill |
| Error type | Mismatched serial number (top vs. bottom serial mismatch) |
| Condition | Excellent / certified condition (near-uncirculated) |
| Sale price | $71,000 |
| Why high value | Error + excellent grading + collector demand |
Collectors beware—the condition and grading are critical. A mismatched serial number error in a worn-out bill might be noticed, but will rarely fetch more than a few thousand dollars. In contrast, pristine, certified bills with this error are the ones that can reach six figures.
Why These Errors Are So Valuable
Several factors make these kinds of error notes fetch outsize prices:
- Rarity – Very few notes with this specific error survive and are authenticated.
- Condition – Notes that are uncirculated or in “gem” condition are far more prized.
- Certification / Grading – Having a recognized grading service (PMG, PCGS, etc.) verify the error and condition adds a lot of trust and value.
- Collector demand – Error note collectors are always looking for unique or bizarre printing mistakes. Mismatched serials are striking because it’s an obvious error someone can see without special tools.
What Makes a Mismatched Serial Number Note Valuable
| Feature | Low-end Value | High-end / Auction Value |
|---|---|---|
| Minor mismatch + circulated condition | a few hundred to a few thousand dollars | tens of thousands if condition is strong |
| Pronounced mismatch + medium grade (e.g. EF or AU) | $5,000 – $20,000 | more with rarity |
| Pristine, certified note with mismatch | $20,000 – $50,000 | $71,000+ for very exceptional examples |
What to Do If You Think You Have One
- Examine both serial numbers carefully. If the digits don’t match exactly (position, typeface, spacing), you may have an error note.
- Check overall condition—no folds, tears, stains, water damage, or other wear. The cleaner, the better.
- Protect the bill—use clear, archival sleeves, avoid handling it too much.
- Get it certified by a respected grading service. This authentication is often what makes the difference between a “nice error” and a high-price collectible.
If you have a $5 bill sitting around, it might be worth pulling out under strong light to check those serial numbers. A small mismatch could mean more than just a weird printing error—it might be a hidden collectible worth $71,000 or more.
Even if most bills with errors won’t reach that high, finding one in excellent shape and getting it properly authenticated could make it surprisingly valuable. Keep an eye on your cash—you never know what treasure might be in your wallet.
FAQs
What kind of mismatch qualifies as a serial number error?
Any discrepancy between the top left and bottom right serial numbers qualifies: a digit flipped, missing, extra digit, or digits in the wrong order. The more obvious and rare the mismatch, the greater the value.
How much could a mismatched $5 bill be worth?
Values vary widely. Minor mismatches in worn condition may fetch hundreds to a few thousand dollars, but exceptional, certified ones in near-perfect condition can go for tens of thousands, like this recent example at $71,000.
Are all mistake bills valuable?
No. Condition, error visibility, rarity, and certification all matter. A mismatched note with heavy wear, unclear printing, or without authentication will not be as valuable. Also, many error bills are noticed by collectors but don’t bring huge prices unless they meet those rare combining factors.