Error Note Chronicles: Ink Smear Error

Paper Money Guaranty® (PMG®) is the world’s leading authority on banknote errors, a popular segment of numismatics. In Error Note Chronicles, we take an in-depth look at different errors. This month’s topic is the Ink Smear Error.

This error can happen when the oscillating wiper on the printing equipment doesn’t properly remove excess ink, or when the ink jets malfunction and disperse more ink than needed. The front of this 1963A $1 Federal Reserve Note has an Ink Smear Error, along with has a red Bureau of Engraving and Printing rejection mark at the left. (This note is being offered in a Heritage Auctions sale in May 2022.)

1963A Federal Reserve Note (St. Louis) with an Ink Smear Error graded PMG 64 Choice Uncirculated EPQ Click images to enlarge.

An Ink Smear Error can occur on either side of the note and is not limited to black ink. This 1969C $20 Federal Reserve Note (Kansas City) has an Ink Smear Error involving the green ink on the back of the note. (This note is being offered in the same May 2022 auction as the previous note.)

1969C $20 Federal Reserve Note (Kansas City) with an Ink Smear Error graded PMG 30 Very Fine EPQ Click images to enlarge.

The value of an Ink Smear Error can vary depending on how dramatic it is. The 1969A $50 Federal Reserve Note below shows President Grant looking as if he has had a bucket of paint poured on his head. This particular note realized $1,140 at a Heritage Auctions sale in March 2022, one of the highest prices that auction house has seen for an Ink Smear Error.

1969A $50 Federal Reserve Note (Philadelphia) with an Ink Smear Error graded PMG 64 Choice Uncirculated EPQ Click images to enlarge.

As with most other errors, the Ink Smear Error can occur on world notes, as well. This China 1980 10 Yuan has a substantial Ink Smear Error on its front.

China, People's Republic 1980 10 Yuan with an Ink Smear Error graded PMG 35 Choice Very Fine Click images to enlarge.

PMG, an independent member of the Certified Collectibles Group® (CCG®), has certified many exciting error notes, including the famous “Del Monte” error note that realized $396,000 in a January 2021 sale.

Collectors and dealers who have error notes can submit them to PMG for certification under an applicable grading tier with “error” or the specific error noted under the Variety/Pedigree column on the submission form. There is no additional fee for this service.

For more information about submitting to PMG, visit PMGnotes.com.

Related Links:

• Error Note Chronicles: Dual Denomination Error
• Error Note Chronicles: Mismatched Serial Number Error
• Error Note Chronicles: Offset Printing Error
• Error Note Chronicles: Insufficient Inking
• Error Note Chronicles: Inverted Back
• Error Note Chronicles: Printed Fold Error
• Error Note Chronicles: The PCBLIC Error
• Error Note Chronicles: Misalignment Errors
• Error Note Chronicles: Obstructed Printing Errors
• Error Note Chronicles: Inverted Overprint Errors
• Error Is Human: Part I
• Error Is Human: Part II