Pocket Change Jackpot- How A Misprinted $20 Bill Sold For Six Figures

Have you ever wondered if the money in your wallet could be worth far more than its face value? That dream became reality when a single misprinted $20 bill shocked collectors and sold for an astonishing six-figure price.

Known as the “Del Monte” $20, this piece of currency transformed ordinary pocket change into one of the most famous error notes in U.S. history.

What Was the Misprint?

This legendary note was part of the 1996 $20 Federal Reserve series. During printing, a small Del Monte banana sticker accidentally landed on the bill. Instead of being removed, later print layers—including the green Treasury seal and part of the serial number—were printed over the sticker.

Collectors call this type of error a “retained obstruction”, and it is extremely rare because the obstructing object usually falls off. The sticker’s survival on the bill made this error unique, authentic, and highly valuable.

The Story of the “Del Monte” $20

• A college student in Ohio first discovered the note after withdrawing it from an ATM.
• The student sold it on eBay for around $10,000, marking the first big buzz around the bill.
• In 2006, the note was resold at auction for $25,300.
• The biggest shock came in 2021, when the bill went under the hammer at Heritage Auctions and achieved an incredible $396,000.

This made it the most expensive U.S. error banknote ever sold, breaking world records in numismatics.

Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Denomination	$20 Federal Reserve Note (1996 series)
Error Type	Retained obstruction (Del Monte banana sticker)
Discovered	Withdrawn from an ATM by a college student
First Sale	Around $10,000 on eBay
2006 Auction	$25,300
Record Sale	$396,000 (2021 Heritage Auctions)
Notability	World record price for a U.S. error banknote

Why Did It Sell for Six Figures?

1. Rarity – Retained obstruction errors almost never survive. The presence of a real sticker from the printing process made it one-of-a-kind.
2. Provenance – The note’s journey from an ATM to eBay and then to world-famous auctions added to its story.
3. Collector Demand – Error notes are already highly collectible, but this example had extraordinary appeal.
4. Publicity – Media coverage helped turn the “Del Monte” $20 into a household name in the world of rare currency.

Are Other Misprinted Bills Valuable?

While the Del Monte note is exceptional, other error notes can also command strong prices. Examples include:

• Mismatched serial numbers – Can sell for hundreds or even thousands.
• Shifted seals or numbers – Collectors pay more when the misprint is obvious and dramatic.
• Ink smears or folds – Some bring premiums if certified by professional graders.

The value depends heavily on condition, rarity, and authentication.

How to Spot a Valuable Error Bill

• Look closely at the face: Check if seals or numbers overlap with something unusual.
• Compare serials: Both numbers must be identical—any mismatch could signal a valuable misprint.
• Preserve condition: Don’t fold or damage potential finds. Place them in protective sleeves.
• Seek certification: Reputable grading services confirm authenticity and help maximize resale value.

The Del Monte $20 bill proves that even an ordinary note can become a jackpot worth hundreds of thousands.

While not every misprinted bill is a goldmine, paying attention to details like serial numbers, printing shifts, and retained obstructions could reward you with a small fortune.

The next time you withdraw cash from an ATM, remember: your change might hold a hidden treasure.

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