Most people wouldn’t give a second thought to a $5 bill, but one rare version of the 2017A $5 bill is turning heads in the collector world. Thanks to a subtle microprinting error, this unassuming piece of paper currency could be worth up to $48,000. If you’ve got a stack of fives tucked away, now might be the perfect time to take a closer look.
What Makes the 2017A $5 Bill So Valuable?
At first glance, the 2017A $5 bill appears identical to any other: Abraham Lincoln’s portrait on the front, the Lincoln Memorial on the back. But collectors have discovered a rare production mistake involving its microprinting — a small security feature intended to deter counterfeiters.
In specific 2017A notes, this microprinting is either missing, blurry, or misaligned, making them extremely rare and valuable. These printing anomalies are believed to have occurred during a limited production run, further boosting the note’s scarcity and appeal among numismatists.
How the Error Was Discovered
In early 2024, a few sharp-eyed collectors began noticing printing inconsistencies in their $5 bills. A forum post detailing the anomalies quickly caught the attention of seasoned hobbyists and grading professionals.
As professional evaluators like PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) and PCGS Currency confirmed the errors, the buzz escalated — especially when sales of these flawed notes began hitting five-figure price tags.
How to Spot the $48,000 Error on Your $5 Bill
If you want to know whether your $5 bill is part of this rare batch, here’s what to examine:
Series Year
The bill must read 2017A, located near the signature of the U.S. Treasurer.
Microprinting Zones
Use a magnifying glass to inspect around Lincoln’s collar, borders, and under the portrait. This is where the microtext is normally printed.
Look for Errors
Check for missing letters, blurry printing, or misalignment in those microprinted areas.
Serial Numbers
No specific serial blocks have been confirmed, but collectors suspect that certain print runs might carry a higher error rate.
Market Value and Collector Demand
Depending on the condition and severity of the microprinting flaw, these bills are selling for anywhere between $5,000 and $48,000. Uncirculated bills with sharp corners, no folds, and consecutive serial numbers are especially prized and often fetch higher bids.
Collectors are particularly drawn to these errors because such flaws are uncommon on low-denomination bills. Currency auction sites have reported bidding wars as demand surges for this rare note.
Why Rare Error Notes Are Highly Valued
Currency printing errors are more than mistakes — they’re snapshots of production oversight and modern U.S. monetary history. As printing technology improves, these types of anomalies are becoming rarer, which drives up demand and long-term value.
This 2017A $5 bill stands out because it combines scarcity, error rarity, and low face value, offering collectors a unique prize.
Final Thoughts: Could You Be Holding a Hidden Fortune?
With billions of notes in circulation, finding a rare microprinting error may seem like a long shot — but it’s not impossible. In fact, many of these error notes have been discovered in everyday places like wallets, old drawers, and piggy banks.
Now’s the time to check your cash stash. That plain-looking $5 bill from the 2017A series might be hiding a valuable mistake worth tens of thousands of dollars.
FAQs
Q: Are all 2017A $5 bills valuable?
A: No. Only notes with the microprinting flaw hold significant collector value. Regular bills are worth their face amount.
Q: Where can I authenticate my bill?
A: You can send it to certified grading companies like PMG or PCGS Currency for expert evaluation and certification.
Q: Can I go to a bank to verify its value?
A: Banks generally do not recognize collectible value. It’s best to consult a currency dealer or numismatic expert.
Q: How can I sell a rare $5 bill?
A: Once authenticated, you can sell it through online auctions, collector marketplaces, or via a reputable currency dealer.