What began as a routine withdrawal at an ATM in Ohio turned into a tale of extraordinary fortune when a seemingly ordinary $10 bill revealed itself as a rare misaligned printing error, later fetching a staggering $94,000 at auction.
This discovery underscores the captivating world of error currency collecting, where everyday bills can hold surprising value.
How the Misprint Was Discovered
- The bill was withdrawn from a neighborhood ATM along with other notes totaling $60.
- The owner noticed the off-center printing—Alexander Hamilton’s portrait was dramatically shifted, with cut-off borders and misaligned ink.
- The note was later authenticated and professionally graded by Paper Money Guaranty (PMG), confirming it as a high-grade misaligned note.
What Constitutes a Misaligned $10 Bill
A misaligned banknote features offset printing of either the front or back design. In this instance:
- Alexander Hamilton’s image was drastically skewed.
- Borders and serial numbers were cropped or cut off, creating a stark visual anomaly.
- Such error bills are extremely rare as they typically don’t escape the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s quality control.
Auction Journey: From Wallet to Wow Factor
After sharing images of the note on a currency collecting forum, experts quickly confirmed its rarity.
It was professionally graded, a vital step for establishing auction credibility.
The bill went on to fetch a remarkable $94,000, selling for nearly 9,400 times its face value, as collectors competed fiercely for the rare find.
Why Error Bills Attract Fierce Bidding
Currency misprints like this misaligned $10 bill are highly sought after due to:
- Their scarcity, especially when bypassing federal inspection
- Their instantly recognizable visual anomalies
- The compelling, often accidental discovery stories
- The added value of professional grading, especially by PMG or PCGS
Error Bill Sale Comparison Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Denomination | $10 |
| Error Type | Misaligned/off-center front print |
| Authentication | PMG graded |
| Auction Sale Price | $94,000 |
| Yield Multiple | ~9,400× face value |
| Location of Withdrawal | Ohio, USA |
| Date of Auction Report | July 2025 |
Assessment: Is This Representative of Typical Error Bill Values?
Not every misaligned bill will sell for five or six figures. However, large-print errors with strong visual impact and authentication can bring in thousands:
- Small printing shifts may sell for a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
- Major errors in uncirculated condition can soar to tens or hundreds of thousands, especially when graded and publicized.
- This particular bill’s bold misprint and pristine condition were key to its six-figure success.
Tips for Identifying Valuable Currency Errors
Everyday collectors can be on the lookout for:
- Off-center printing or skewed portraits
- Missing seals, ink smears, or misregistered colors
- Inverted backs, double denominations, or improperly cut margins
- Cutting or printing alignment errors, particularly on newer crisp notes
Authentication from PMG or PCGS Currency significantly enhances the value and marketability of these notes.
Why This Discovery Resonates in Numismatic Circles
This ATM misalignment story reignites interest in paper money collecting, showing that numismatic treasures aren’t limited to auctions or museums.
It illustrates the enduring appeal of error notes, the importance of condition, and the excitement of accidental discoveries.
Collectors and casual hobbyists alike are reminded: hidden gems can emerge from daily transactions.
The story of the misaligned $10 bill withdrawn from an Ohio ATM and later sold for $94,000 offers a powerful reminder of the surprises currency can hold.
It blends luck, rarity, and numismatic intrigue into one of the most exciting error bill discoveries in recent memory. For those willing to look a little closer at the cash in their wallet, a similar windfall could be just one misprint away.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What types of misaligned banknotes are most valuable?
High-grade major misalignment errors, where portraits and key design elements are drastically off-center or cropped, usually attract the highest prices. Less severe errors may still be valuable but generally sell for lower amounts.
2. How does grading by PMG affect a bill’s value?
PMG grading confirms the authenticity and quality of an error note. Collectors place high trust in certified grades, which can significantly increase the resale price, particularly in competitive auctions.
3. Should everyday collectors check their cash for errors?
Yes. Many rare notes have been discovered in circulation. Reviewing crisp or new bills for oddities such as off-center prints, ink errors, or missing elements can lead to valuable finds worth far more than face value.