In 2005, a collector bought what seemed an exceptional 1928 series $500 Federal Reserve Note, featuring President McKinley. Initially seen as a rare gem—only ~75,000 genuine $500 bills are believed to remain—it underwent expert examination.
But further analysis exposed it as a “superdollar”–style counterfeit, produced with such precision it passed face-value scrutiny and fooled specialists.
What Is a “Superdollar”? The Counterfeit Marvel
A superdollar is a high-grade counterfeit note, made to near-indistinguishable standards from genuine currency. Emerging in the late 20th century, these supernotes replicate:
- Intaglio printing
- Infrared security threads
- Watermarks
They’re sophisticated enough to survive basic detection, and believed tied to illicit or even state-level operations.
How Did It Fool Experts?
- Authentic Visual Design
The counterfeit matched the real 1928 $500 bill in measurements, paper composition, security features, and even green Treasury seals—enough to convince experts during casual and market-level inspections. - Advanced Printing Techniques
Using the same intaglio processes and cotton-linen blend, it mimicked texture, micro-printing, and metallic inks visible only under magnification. - Passing Initial Verification Methods
The counterfeit passed UV light, magnification tests, and feel tests, making detection nearly impossible without forensic review.
The Discovery: How the Truth Emerged
- Expert Forensics: Specialists noticed slight flaws in the watermark alignment and magnetic ink inconsistencies, prompting deeper lab analysis.
- Infrared & Spectral Testing: These revealed non-conforming ink and paper fiber signatures.
- Federal Seizure: The U.S. Secret Service deemed it a high-grade counterfeit and confiscated it for further investigation.
Why the $500 Bill Is So Rare and Prone to Counterfeiting
| Feature | Real Notes | Counterfeits |
|---|---|---|
| Last Printed | 1945; discontinued in 1969 | Entirely fake, mimicking obsolete issues |
| Typical Supply in Private Hands | ~75,000 remaining | None—counterfeits proliferate artificially |
| Face Appearance | President McKinley & green seal | Near identical, but lacking older paper grain |
| Security Features | Genuine watermark, security threads | Imitated, but metals/paper differ subtly |
| Market Value (Legitimate) | $10,000–$20,000++ depending on condition | Worthless, illegal to own |
Why the Fake Passes Initial Scrutiny
- Printed with high-end counterfeiting presses
- Watermarks and security threads included, matching official locations
- Ink matched infrared and UV signatures
- Serial numbers and seals copied from rare originals
These elements combined to mislead edge-level professionals until deep tests were performed.
The Fallout and Lessons for Collectors
- Sophisticated fakes challenge even experts
These are not simple photocopies—they’re engineered to circumvent typical cash and collector detection. - Use forensic lab tests
Specialists now use paper fiber analysis, chemical ink endings, and ultra-violet and infrared spectroscopy. - Source matters
Buy only from reputable dealers or auction houses that guarantee authenticity with certified return policies.
Authentic vs. Superdollar Fake $500 Bill
| Feature | Genuine $500 Note | Superdollar Fake |
|---|---|---|
| Paper Type | Cotton-linen blend with security fibers | Similar base, lacks embedded fibers |
| Watermark | Exact portrait watermark | Misaligned or patterned differently |
| Security Thread | Embedded, metallic, infrared-reactive | Imitated film, reacts differently |
| Intaglio Printing | Crisp edges with depth | Sharp visuals but slightly shallow |
| Pricing | $10,000–$25,000+ for high-grade | Zero; seized due to illegal status |
| Detection Difficulty | Detected by UV/IR and tactile analysis | Only detected by forensic testing |
What to Do If You Suspect a Fake
- Conduct UV and infrared shine tests
- Examine seams and engraving under magnification
- Compare with certified genuine notes from PMG/PCGS catalogs
- Refer to a forensic currency lab or government agency
- Avoid banking or auction until confirmed authentic
- Report suspected counterfeit to the U.S. Secret Service
This high-quality $500 note masquerading as genuine underscores the dangers of counterfeit superdollars. What fooled casual experts revealed flaws only through forensic analysis.
For collectors and investors in rare U.S. currency, this is a powerful reminder: face value and appearance aren’t enough. Always verify provenance, request deep authentication, and strike deals only through trusted experts. Staying vigilant protects both your collection and your wallet.
FAQs
Q1: Can I exchange a counterfeit $500 bill at a bank?
No. Banks and authorities will confiscate counterfeit notes. Exchange isn’t possible and use can involve criminal liability.
Q2: Are superdollar fakes common?
No—they’re rare but highly dangerous. High quality superdollars suggest sophisticated forgery networks, not amateurs.
Q3: How much does forensic authentication cost?
Fees vary. U.S. Secret Service will analyze without cost for potential crime; private labs may charge hundreds per test.