$20 Note : Every once in a while, a simple mistake at the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing turns ordinary money into a collector’s jackpot. That’s exactly what happened with a rare $20 bill featuring an upside-down seal, a shocking printing error that has stunned collectors and cash handlers alike. What’s more unbelievable? Some of these bills are still being spent at face value, even though they can be worth up to $85,000.
Here’s everything you need to know to find out if you’ve got one in your wallet right now.
What Is the Upside-Down Seal Error?
On every U.S. bill, you’ll find two official seals:
- The green Treasury Department seal, typically to the right of the portrait
- The black Federal Reserve Bank seal, usually to the left
In the rare error version of the $20 bill, the green Treasury seal is printed completely upside down. That means the design inside the seal—featuring a key, scales, and a chevron—appears inverted, as if flipped 180 degrees vertically.
This is a legitimate printing error, not a counterfeit trick or damage from wear. It’s known as one of the most dramatic and valuable seal misprints in modern U.S. currency.
How Did This Happen?
The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing prints billions of notes each year, and the process involves multiple stages and enormous precision. However, when one sheet of paper is fed into the press incorrectly, or when a printing plate is installed upside down, errors can occur.
Because quality control at the Bureau is normally very tight, it’s incredibly rare for a misprinted bill to slip through undetected. But in this case, not only did it happen—it was circulated into the public.
Why It’s Worth So Much
There are a few reasons why this upside-down seal $20 bill can command up to $85,000 on the collectors’ market:
- Extremely rare – Only a handful of these error notes are known to exist.
- Dramatic error – The upside-down seal is highly visible and obvious, even to the untrained eye.
- High demand – Collectors of U.S. currency are always eager to get their hands on major, verifiable printing mistakes.
The record price for this error note was reached at auction, where a certified specimen in excellent condition sold for $85,000. Even notes in well-worn condition can still be worth thousands, depending on their serial number, district, and how clearly the seal is misaligned.
What To Look For
Here’s how to inspect your $20 bills:
- Check the Series Year
Most of these errors have been reported in Series 1996, but keep an eye on all older notes. You’ll find the series year printed near the lower right of the portrait of Andrew Jackson. - Examine the Treasury Seal
The green seal to the right should be upright. If it appears flipped, with the key at the top and scales pointing down, that’s a red flag — and possibly a gold mine. - Inspect the Serial Numbers
Matching serial numbers on the left and right are a sign the bill hasn’t been tampered with. Authentic error notes will still have proper serials and watermarks. - Look for District Letters
Some known error bills come from specific Federal Reserve Banks. An “F” or “K” in the black seal (Atlanta or Dallas) could be a helpful clue, though this isn’t always the case.
What to Do If You Find One
If you suspect you’ve found an upside-down seal $20 bill, do not spend it. Follow these steps:
- Take clear photos of both sides of the bill.
- Do not fold, crease, or clean it — condition greatly affects value.
- Contact a reputable currency grading company like PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) or PCGS Currency to get it authenticated.
- Reach out to a trusted currency dealer or auction house to determine current market value.
Final Thoughts
While most of us go through life barely glancing at the cash in our hands, stories like this remind us of the hidden treasures that could be sitting in a wallet or cash register right now. A simple misprint can turn $20 into a life-changing sum—if you know what to look for.
So next time you break a twenty, take a moment. That small green seal could be upside down—and your fortune might be hiding in plain sight.