By Peter Huntoon

One of the most fun 20th century low-denomination type note varieties that has been found is the $1 Series of 1917 Legal Tender error where the position of the names and titles of Treasury signers Elliott and Burke were switched.

The mistake was made on all four positions by siderographer John C. Rout as he laid the signatures into the plate. It was not noticed by plate finisher Thomas B. Jones Sr., who was the last person to work on the plate, or any of the proof inspectors, so the plate was certified as perfect by BEP director James L. Wilmeth on Aug. 24, 1920.

The plate bore Treasury plate number 71506, plate serial No. 1519. It was sent to press Sept. 3-29, 1920 to create Fr. 37a and was canceled Sept. 30.

Photo of the issued note is courtesy of Heritage Auction archives.

This article was originally printed in Bank Note Reporter. >> Subscribe today.

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