$100 Bill With Foldover Error Found in Coffee Shop Change — Valued at $93,000

How a simple morning, starting with a coffee and croissant, can change someone’s life – an example of this was seen recently in the US state of Ohio. A man, who was starting his day at a local coffee shop, when he took the change for his $20 payment, noticed a $100 note that looked strange. On closer inspection, it was found that the note was actually a rare note with a ‘foldover error’, which is now valued at \$93,000 (about ₹77 lakhs).

What is a foldover error?

Foldover error occurs when a corner or part of the note is accidentally folded during printing. This results in some design on the note being incomplete or printed in a place where it should not be.

These error notes are very rare, especially in high value notes like $100. Usually this error is found in small value notes which people spend without paying attention to. But when such a rare note is found in good condition, it becomes a topic of much discussion among collectors and numismatic experts.

How was the note discovered?

According to reports, this lucky guy, who did not reveal his identity, went to a small cafe in Cleveland to have his morning coffee and croissant. He paid in cash and when he got the change, the $100 note looked a bit different.

According to the man, the note looked unusual in the printing. The design was not done fully and one side wasnot done. I did not imagine that it was not fake at all, but something told me to preserve it.”

He later shared photos of the note online, causing a stir on numismatic forums. Within days, a certified currency grader confirmed the note as a genuine foldover error, and it had a potential auction price of \$93,000.

Why do collectors go crazy over such notes?

Currency collectors, also known as numismatists, are always on the lookout for currency notes that have some printing error. These include:

• Mismatched serial numbers
• Ink stains or smears
• Seals in the wrong place
• Foldover errors

Although there is rigorous inspection by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) at the time of printing, sometimes these mistakes go unnoticed and such notes reach the market.

This discovery is being considered special because it is a $100 note — a value that is commonly used in transactions — and yet its discrepancy went unnoticed until it came into the hands of this person.

Can you also have such a note?

You may not believe it, but experts believe that many such rare error notes are still in circulation or lying in people’s wallets, closets or bank envelopes, which no one has noticed carefully.

If you make cash transactions, take a closer look at the notes next time. Look for:

• Incomplete designs
• Part of the printing on the back of the note coming forward
• Bent edges
• Odd placement of the serial number

The error doesn’t have to be huge — even small mistakes can add thousands of dollars to the collector’s value.

Final Thoughts: Treasure hidden in an ordinary spot

This whole incident is proof that valuable things are often hidden right in front of our eyes. Nowadays most people are leaning towards digital payments, due to which the scrutiny of paper notes has decreased. This is the reason why such rare notes escape our eyes.

Now currency experts believe that this special $100 note will soon be sold in an auction or private sale, and many bidders have already expressed interest in it.

So the next time you get change in cash — be it at a cafe, grocery store or gas station — take a close look at your notes. Who knows, your fortune might be hidden in the price of a coffee.

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