I have several notes with what I think are ink smears. Some I know are faked. Some I'm not so sure about. So since we now have this wonderful side of coin talk I can find out eh? The first one series 1999 with smear on lower left signature of treasurer. The second 1999 is just lighter than normal serial and seal. Can these be faked. Value? Happy hunting, Michael
From my experience, anything CAN be faked. Whether it is for you or not can't really be determined unless we can see the note in question. Could you post a pic of it for us to see? As for estimated value: it would depend on 1. the condition of the note, 2. the authenticity of the ink stain error, 3. the collectability of the error (i.e. if the stain is authentic AND looks like George Bush, I'd say it's value to certain collectors would be much higher. Think potato chips that looks like states....), and 4. the denomination of the note. An ink stain error on a $100 bill will have a much greater value normally than on a $1 bill! But like I said, post up a pic, and I'm sure you can get a good idea of whether what you have is authentic and/or of significant value. Thanks! AJM
I see 'em now... my computer must just be playing tricks on me! The first one definitely has smeared ink, and I'm sure that someone more knowledgable than me on the matter could provide some measure of authenticity, but the second one just looks to me like it went through the wash or something. Maybe the press was running out of green ink at the time. Not sure if that would be of any value to you higher than a buck.... AJM
Im not an expert but the 2nd one looks like an older series note like from the 60s even though its not. I just know some of the ink looks really light on them.
I am no expert, but I would spend both. The smeared ink looks more to me like a smudge. A good ink smear erases all design elements in it's way. On yours, all the design is stil there, just smeared. For this reason, I am not even sure it is a mint error. The light green? Could be under-inked or just faded.
They both look laundered to me. The first note also looks like a solvent caused the ink in the signature to smear.
This was my thought as well. I use to have a note that had the district seal imprinted on the right side of the bill. It looked neat but was simply a solvent and fold job. I just wanted some second opinions before I spend it. Also how about these two? Thanks, Michael
I'd say once again that some kind of liquid must have gotten on them to make the ink bleed into the surroundings - but see what other people have to say.... AJM
Hold on to them until you can get an opinion from someone who knows that can actually see them in hand (dealer) or such . They are only dollars and they won't break you if you hold onto them . Might also put them on ebay with an acurate description , someone may buy it there ! But don't do it until you have them looked at . Peace Grim
I have some bills with slight ink smears on the bank letter seal and others with smears on the green serial number ink. It's nothing major, but should I hold onto these?
Ink smears have to involve a large section of a note to be of value. I personally don't even bother with them as part of my errors collection, as it's too easy to fake them with various solvents.
