In an unexpected twist that has numismatists buzzing, a rare $5 bill with double serial numbers was discovered in the tip jar of a small café in Portland, Oregon — and it recently sold at auction for a staggering $75,000.
The story has gone viral across collector forums and social media platforms, sparking renewed interest in error notes and encouraging everyday Americans to take a second look at their pocket change.
A Routine Shift Turns Into a Rare Find
It was just another afternoon shift for barista Ellie Thompson at Bean & Grind Café when she noticed something odd while emptying the tip jar. One of the $5 bills looked strange — it had two different serial numbers printed on the front. At first glance, she assumed it was a misprint or even a fake.
“I wasn’t sure if it was real or not,” Ellie said. “It caught my eye immediately because the serial numbers didn’t match. I almost tossed it aside, but something told me to look it up.”
What Are Double Serial Number Errors?
Double serial number errors are extremely rare and occur during the printing process at the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Each bill is supposed to have a matching serial number printed twice — once on the left and once on the right. But in rare instances, a printing plate malfunction or a paper misalignment can cause mismatched or duplicated serial numbers.
These errors are considered highly collectible because they are not supposed to exist in circulation. Most are caught before leaving the printing facility, but a few slip through — making them valuable to collectors.
Authentication and Auction
After a local coin shop confirmed it was an authentic printing error, Ellie submitted the bill to a major grading agency. The note was authenticated, graded, and described as a “Genuine Double Serial Number Error – Extremely Fine Condition.”
Shortly afterward, it was listed in a rare currency auction, where it sparked a bidding war. The final bid: $75,000, from a private collector based in California.
“This is one of the cleanest and most dramatic serial number errors we’ve seen on a $5 bill in recent years,” said auction house representative James Wallace. “To find it in a tip jar is almost unbelievable.”
Why Error Notes Are Rising in Value
Currency error collecting — once a niche hobby — has gained massive attention in recent years. With viral stories like this one, more people are checking their change and sharing rare finds online. According to numismatic experts, demand for dramatic error notes, like misprinted serial numbers or ink shifts, has steadily increased.
Many rare bills that once sold for hundreds are now fetching thousands — especially if the errors are clearly visible and the bills remain in good condition.
How to Spot a Rare $5 Bill
If you’re wondering what to look for, here are a few things that could make your $5 bill valuable:
- Mismatched or double serial numbers
- Inverted or missing seals
- Ink smears or ghost printing
- Misaligned or off-center printing
- Star notes with serial number abnormalities
Collectors also value the condition — so crisp, uncirculated bills with clear errors often command the highest prices.
Final Thoughts
From an overlooked tip jar to a $75,000 payday, this unusual $5 bill is a reminder that treasures can still be hiding in plain sight. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone who just grabbed a sandwich at a local café, the next big discovery might already be in your wallet.
So next time you’re counting your change or sorting through bills, take a closer look — you might just be holding a small fortune.
