In a surprising twist for collectors and everyday Americans alike, a seemingly ordinary 2017A $5 bill has taken the numismatic world by storm. Due to a rare microprinting error, this flawed bill is reportedly fetching up to $48,000 in private sales and auctions. If you’ve got a few $5 bills tucked away, it might be time to take a closer look—your wallet could be hiding a small fortune.
What Makes the 2017A $5 Bill So Valuable?
The 2017A $5 bill looks almost identical to any other in circulation. It features Abraham Lincoln’s portrait on the front and the Lincoln Memorial on the back. But what sets this version apart is a subtle microprinting flaw—a detail so minute that it often goes unnoticed by casual observers.
Microprinting is a security feature used by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing to prevent counterfeiting. Typically, these are tiny words printed around the portrait or borders that are difficult to replicate. However, in the case of certain 2017A bills, some of this microprinting is either missing, blurred, or misaligned.
Experts believe this printing anomaly occurred during a specific production run, making these error notes both rare and collectible.
How the Error Was Discovered
Coin and currency collectors first began spotting the issue in early 2024. A small online forum post discussing strange printing inconsistencies sparked attention among hobbyists. Once the issue was confirmed by a professional grader, interest quickly ballooned.
Since then, reports of similar flawed bills have popped up in places like California, Florida, Texas, and Ohio, but only a handful have been officially authenticated by major grading companies like PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) and PCGS Currency.
What to Look for in Your $5 Bills
If you want to examine your $5 bills for this potential goldmine, here’s what you should look for:
- Series Year: The bill must be marked as 2017A, which can be found near the signature of the U.S. Treasurer.
- Microprinting Area: Look around Lincoln’s collar, the lower borders, and under the portrait where microprinting usually appears.
- Printing Flaw: Missing text, smudged letters, or misaligned microprint could be the key.
- Serial Numbers: While no specific serial block has been confirmed, collectors believe certain ranges may have a higher chance of errors.
Using a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe is essential to detect the microprinting flaws accurately.
Market Value and Collector Demand
Depending on the condition and clarity of the flaw, these bills are currently fetching anywhere between $5,000 and $48,000 in the collector’s market. Uncirculated bills—those in pristine condition—are naturally valued higher, especially if they have consecutive serial numbers or are graded at 65 or above.
Currency auction sites and numismatic marketplaces have reported bidding wars for these rare error bills, especially since such mistakes on lower denominations are exceptionally uncommon.
Why Error Notes Are So Popular
Error notes like this 2017A $5 bill appeal to both collectors and investors. The combination of scarcity, historical anomaly, and government printing oversight makes them highly desirable. It’s not just about the face value—it’s about owning a piece of unintentional U.S. history.
As the Federal Reserve and U.S. Treasury refine their processes, such printing errors are becoming increasingly rare. That scarcity only boosts their future value.
Final Thoughts: Could You Be Holding One?
While it may seem unlikely, stranger things have happened in the world of rare currency. With billions of notes in circulation, it’s not impossible that a valuable error bill has passed through your hands or is sitting unnoticed in your wallet or drawer.
Now’s the time to check your wallet, piggy banks, and old birthday cards. That plain-looking $5 bill could be the ticket to a payday far beyond its printed value.