A rare printing error bill from 1995 stunned collectors after selling for $10,000 in mid-2025. Known as a “web note”, this astonishing sale has sparked renewed interest in everyday currency. Let’s break down the details, significance, and how you can spot these hidden treasures.
What Is a Web Note?
A web note occurs when a tiny control number under the letter “E” in the word ONE on the back of a bill prints above that letter instead.
Although seemingly minor, it’s a genuine printing error that collectors prize—especially for bills from 1995, 1993, and 1988. Most fetch $20–$30, but rare variants can skyrocket.
The 2025 $10,000 Sale
In June 2025, a pristine 1995 $1 web note sold for a massive $10,000. The record-setting auction took place online, with the bill graded and authenticated by PMG, a top currency grading company.
This sale far surpassed typical values, highlighting extreme rarity and exceptional condition.
Key Details at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year & Series | 1995 Federal Reserve Series |
| Error Type | Back-control number printed above the “E” in ONE |
| Classification | Web Note error |
| Condition | Gem Uncirculated, PMG-graded |
| Auction Date | June 2025 |
| Sale Price | $10,000 |
| Typical Value | $20–$30 for common ones; up to $10K+ for rare gem pieces |
Why This Bill Commanded $10K
- Rarity – Few intact 1995 web notes remain, especially in uncirculated condition.
- Perfect Presentation – PMG-verified grading certifies authenticity and superior quality.
- Collector Demand – Error bills have surged in popularity, and this one ticked all the boxes.
- Scarcity of High-Grade Copies – Even slight wear dramatically reduces value; a gem ULTRA-rare copy draws premium prices.
How to Spot These Bills
- Flip the bill and look at the back under the “E” in ONE.
- If the tiny control number sits above rather than below, you’ve found a web note.
- Check serials, issue date, and overall wear.
- For best results, submit to grading companies like PMG or PCGS.
Other Valuable Error Currency Examples
- Tiny misprint one-dollar bill: Sold for $200,000 in 2025 due to mismatched serial numbers
- 1995 $5 bill with upside-down Treasury seal: fetched between $2K–$10K
- Some dollar bills now routinely sell for $20–$30 because of minor misprints
This 1995 $1 web note sale serves as a reminder: sometimes what seems like a worthless dollar bill could be a $10,000 treasure.
Keep an eye out for the telltale misprinted control number above the “E”—it could be the find of a lifetime.
FAQs
What exactly makes this 1995 $1 bill so valuable?
Its rare “web note” error—with the tiny control number printed above the “E”—plus exceptional condition and PMG grading pushed its value to $10K.
Are there more of these web notes out there?
Yes, but they’re extremely rare—especially in crisp, uncirculated condition. Most discovered examples are worn and worth just a small premium.
I think I found one—what should I do?
Carefully preserve it, avoid folding, take good photos, and consider professional grading. Even mildly circulated ones can sell for modest amounts, while perfect ones may reach five-figure values.