Missing Print Errors
Discover errors where entire design elements fail to print.
A missing print error occurs when one or more design elements fail to print on a note. These range from missing overprints (like serials or seals) to entire sides failing to print. Missing print errors are among the most visually striking currency errors.
Types of Missing Print Errors
Missing Overprints (Most Common)
The front or back design prints correctly, but the overprinted elements fail to apply:
- Missing serials – Both serial numbers are absent; the note shows blank white spaces where serials should be
- Missing seals – The Federal Reserve district seal (black circle) or Treasury seal (green circle) is missing
- Missing or partial numbering – Only one serial is visible, or the serial is incomplete
These errors occur when the numbering/overprinting stage fails. The basic design printed fine; the later-stage overprint step didn't apply.
Missing Color Errors
One of the ink colors fails to print for an entire side or large section:
- Missing green ink (the printed serials, seals, and anti-counterfeiting features don't appear)
- Missing black ink (portrait or design elements)
- Missing other design colors
Missing Back Printing
The back of the note fails to print entirely while the front prints correctly. The reverse is blank white paper.
- Value: Very high, because an entirely blank reverse is dramatic and unmistakable
- Rarity: Extremely rare; would indicate a complete failure of the back printing stage
Missing Face Printing
The front of the note fails to print entirely while the back prints correctly. The obverse is blank white paper.
- Value: Very high, because an entirely blank obverse is unmistakable
- Rarity: Extremely rare; would indicate a complete failure of the face printing stage
Partial Missing Print
A portion of the design (but not all) fails to print. This might occur if a portion of the printing plate is damaged or if the sheet is misaligned.
- Example: The lower half of the portrait is blank while the upper half prints correctly
- Value: Depends on visual impact and how obvious the error is
Why Missing Print Errors Are Valuable
Missing print errors command high premiums because:
- Visual impact – The error is immediately obvious without magnification
- Authenticity – No one can claim to have accidentally caused a missing print error themselves
- Rarity – Modern quality control is effective at catching these before they're cut and distributed
- Educational value – They demonstrate real printing failures
Quality Control and Missing Prints
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing has inspection stages that should catch missing print errors before notes enter circulation. However:
- Very rare missing prints do escape to circulation
- Some are discovered during the post-distribution inspection process and marked as internal errors
- Older currency (pre-1990s) has higher rates of missing print errors reaching circulation because inspection technology was less sophisticated
Valuation Range
Missing print error values vary widely:
- Missing serials only – $100-$500 (depending on condition and denomination)
- Missing one large seal – $200-$800
- Missing multiple seals or entire color – $500-$2,000
- Missing entire back or front – $2,000-$10,000+
- Professionally certified missing prints – Values significantly higher, especially for dramatic examples
Authentication Importance
High-value missing print errors should absolutely be professionally authenticated by PMG or PCGS before listing or selling. The cost of certification ($20-$50) is trivial compared to the value of a genuine missing print error, and authentication provides confidence for buyers.
Distinguishing Genuine Missing Print from Damage
Ensure that what you believe is a missing print error isn't actually damage:
- Genuine missing print – Uniform blank area where printing simply didn't occur; edge of missing area is clean
- Damage – Irregular blank area; evidence of bleaching, scraping, or removal of ink
- Genuine missing serials – Both serials completely absent, blank space is perfectly rectangular
- Bleached serials – Serials attempted to be removed; faint traces of ink remain; background area is discolored
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