2017A $5 Bill : Most people wouldn’t think twice about a $5 bill—they come and go in wallets, are spent at coffee shops, or disappear into tip jars. But in rare cases, everyday currency can turn into a jackpot. That’s the case with a highly sought-after misprint on a 2017A $5 Federal Reserve Note, which has caught the attention of collectors and could be worth up to $48,000.
If you’ve got a 2017A $5 bill in your possession, it’s time to take a closer look—literally. Here’s what makes this ordinary-looking bill extraordinarily valuable.
What Is the 2017A $5 Bill Microprinting Flaw?
The valuable 2017A $5 bill has a microprinting error, a rare printing flaw where critical microscopic text on the bill is missing, blurry, or distorted. Microprinting is one of the anti-counterfeiting features built into U.S. currency—typically found around the borders of the portrait or in the security threads.
On the flawed 2017A $5 bill, the microprinted text under “E PLURIBUS UNUM” or near the Lincoln portrait may be incomplete or missing altogether. This subtle detail is difficult to spot without magnification, which is why many of these bills have gone unnoticed in circulation.
How Rare Is This Misprint?
This microprinting flaw is exceptionally rare. Only a small number of these error notes have been authenticated, and their scarcity makes them highly desirable in the numismatic market. A bill in pristine, uncirculated condition (graded by a service like PMG or PCGS) can command prices from $20,000 to $48,000, depending on the quality and serial number.
Even moderately circulated examples may still fetch thousands if the error is clearly visible and the bill is intact.
What to Look for in Your $5 Bill
If you want to hunt down one of these valuable notes, start by locating the following features:
Correct Series
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Check for the “Series 2017A” printed near the lower right of Lincoln’s portrait.
Federal Reserve Indicators
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Look for notes from specific Federal Reserve Banks, such as Atlanta (F) or New York (B)—these have been linked to known flawed batches, although errors may exist from other banks too.
Microprinting Location
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Use a magnifying glass to examine areas around:
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The security thread
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Lincoln’s collar
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The borders near the numeral “5”
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The phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM”
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If the text is smudged, missing, or misaligned, your bill may be a rare error note.
What Should You Do if You Find One?
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Avoid Spending It. Keep the bill safe—preferably in a plastic currency holder to avoid further wear.
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Have It Authenticated. Submit the bill to a third-party grading service like Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) or PCGS Banknote.
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Consult a Currency Dealer or Auction House. Reputable firms can give you a realistic estimate of value and assist with selling it at auction.
Recent Sales and Market Value
In recent auctions:
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A crisp uncirculated 2017A $5 bill with the microprinting flaw reportedly sold for $48,000.
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Lightly circulated examples have brought in $10,000–$20,000, depending on condition and serial number.
As awareness of this error grows, demand (and prices) may rise even higher.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Overlook Small Bills
While many collectors focus on coins or large-denomination currency, small bills like the 2017A $5 can hold big secrets—and even bigger paydays. This microprinting flaw is a reminder that valuable collectibles can be hiding in plain sight.
So next time you’re handed a $5 bill, don’t just stuff it in your wallet. Take a moment. Examine the details. That ordinary-looking note might just be your ticket to an unexpected windfall.
2017A $5 Bill Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs..)
Q1: What exactly is the 2017A $5 bill microprinting error?
A: It’s a rare printing flaw on the Series 2017A $5 bill in which the tiny, microscopic text—used as a security feature—is either missing, blurred, or misprinted. This error makes the bill highly valuable to collectors.
Q2: Where is the microprinting located on a $5 bill?
A: Microprinting can be found:
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Near Lincoln’s collar
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Around the numeral “5”
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Within the security thread
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Under or near the phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM”
Use a magnifying glass to examine these areas. Any distortion, smudging, or absence of text could indicate an error.
Q3: How do I know if my 2017A $5 bill is the rare one?
A: First, check that your bill says “Series 2017A”. Then inspect the microprinting details. If text is clearly missing or appears faulty, you may have a rare error note. Authentication by a professional grading service is essential for confirmation.