This 2013 $10 Bill With Cut Shift Was Almost Spent : In a story that’s sparking excitement among collectors and casual currency users alike, a seemingly ordinary 2013 $10 bill almost ended up in a gas station cash drawer — until its unusual appearance caught the attention of a sharp-eyed customer. That decision not to spend it turned out to be a very lucky one.
Today, that very same $10 bill is worth up to $55,000 on the collectibles market, thanks to a rare and striking error known as a “cut shift.” Here’s what you need to know — and how to spot one yourself.
What Is a Cut Shift Error?
A cut shift (or misalignment error) happens during the final stages of currency production. U.S. paper money is printed in large sheets, which are later cut into individual bills. If that cutting process is misaligned — even slightly — it can create off-center or dramatically misplaced bills.
The result? A note that might have part of another bill visible, a crooked border, or extra white space on one side and a chopped-off design on the other.
These errors are rare, especially in modern series like the 2013 $10 bill, which are typically produced with precision. That rarity is exactly what makes them valuable to collectors.
The $10 Error That Almost Got Away
The bill that sparked this frenzy came from the 2013 series and looked like any other at first glance — until you noticed the top edge of the note was slanted sharply, cutting into the portrait of Alexander Hamilton. A large portion of the bottom margin was completely missing, and some design elements from a neighboring bill were visible.
According to the individual who found it, they received the bill as change and were about to spend it — until they noticed “something didn’t look right.” After some quick research, they realized they might have stumbled across a serious error note. A few weeks and a professional grading later, the verdict came in: authentic cut shift, GEM condition, and a market value pegged between $45,000 and $55,000.
Why Are Cut Shift Errors So Valuable?
Cut shift errors are prized for three main reasons:
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Visual Impact: Unlike minor misprints or subtle ink smears, a cut shift is easy to spot. It’s dramatic and immediately recognizable — which makes it highly collectible.
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Rarity: The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) has strict quality control. Most error notes are caught before they leave the facility, especially in recent years.
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Condition: This 2013 $10 bill was in almost uncirculated condition, which drastically boosts its value. Many error bills lose worth quickly if they’re heavily handled.
How to Spot a Valuable Error Bill
If you’re hoping to find your own jackpot error note, keep an eye out for these key features:
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Misaligned borders or uneven margins
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Designs cut off at odd angles
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Overlapping elements from another bill (like parts of serial numbers or seals)
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Off-center printing or skewed portraits
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Genuine U.S. currency paper and serial numbers
Just remember: fake errors are sometimes created intentionally, so authentication by a trusted grading service like PMG or PCGS Banknote is crucial.
What to Do If You Think You Found One
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Do not spend it.
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Handle it carefully — ideally using gloves or by the edges.
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Place the bill in a protective currency sleeve.
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Contact a professional currency grading service for authentication.
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Consider auctioning it through a major house like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers.
Final Thoughts: A $10 Bill That Could Change Your Fortune
This story is a powerful reminder that sometimes, life-changing money is hiding in your back pocket. While most people use paper money without a second glance, a few extra seconds of curiosity could lead you to a rare error note worth tens of thousands.
So the next time you receive change, don’t just look at the numbers — check the borders, corners, and alignment. That odd-looking $10 bill might just be your ticket to a small fortune.
TIP: Want to boost your odds? Ask your bank for fresh straps of $10 bills and check each one carefully. Lightning can strike — and this time, it might just strike in your wallet.
This 2013 $10 Bill With Cut Shift Was Almost Spent Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs..)
Q1: What is a cut shift error on a bill?
A: A cut shift error happens when currency sheets are improperly aligned during the cutting process at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. This causes bills to be miscut — resulting in off-center designs, slanted edges, uneven borders, or even parts of another bill showing.
Q2: Why is the 2013 $10 bill with a cut shift worth $55,000?
A: This particular bill is valuable because:
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It has a dramatic and visually obvious cut error
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It is from a modern series (2013), making it rarer
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It is in near-perfect condition
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Error collectors and numismatists place a high premium on well-preserved, dramatic mistakes
Q3: How rare are cut shift errors?
A: Very rare. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing has strict quality control, so most misprints or errors are caught before notes enter circulation. Significant cut shift errors — especially on recent series like the 2013 $10 bill — are highly uncommon and desirable.