Centenial Dollar With Error

I would expect the Centennial BV (Book Value) for a no serial # error would be similar to the Modified error BV. Although the Centennial series is a commemorative note, about 100M were issued (approx). The "1867 1967" had an extended run (12M) were hoarded so super common in super high grades. The regular prefixes had 10M runs & then there were a few short prefixes & replacement runs.

I would be extremely cautious with an error of such a circulated $1 note from that era. I have seen several Modified 1954 ONES with the SN removed by bleach. In fact, I have sold 2 (one I believed to be an error, the other a faux "manufactured" error from bleaching). The note you have posted is so circulated that it is very difficult to determine whether it has come across such processing. Interesting, but I hope you didn't pay too much for it.

I photoshopped a legit bill over a scanned image of my bill to compare the area where the serial number (or year dates) should be. If it were bleached, wouldn't there be some damage to the background green elements? I don't see any indentations of where the serial numbers should be but I did read somewhere that the nature of the printing machines they used back then it was totally possible for a sheet of bills to miss the part of the process where the serial numbers are printed on.

Not trying to argue... just need more feedback before I potentially commit to getting it graded.

I am not making any judgements: just giving you some insight (background) on how often we've seen these. I have actually seen them so often at shows (& in dealer's junk boxes) that I pass on them now.

My really bad "faux error" was super obvious & had only minor bits of the imprint missing while the other one had no imprint
missing. My faux error smelled off while the other one smelled okay but not that good either as it was pretty circulated. I was later informed by an error expert that the lack of the imprint really isn't a good yardstick to go by (the serials were easy to remove without much damage to the imprint).

Do the smell test & if no chemical smell then maybe get it certified?

The graders will not place in a holder, just return as is, PCGS will return in a body bag most will still charge a fee and shipping I take it you have already contacted BCS, again good luck

Bummer.

I'm sorry that it turned out this way BUT: thank you for posting your conclusions.

It is really helpful for the collector community as a whole to see the process by which you determined whether the note was a legitimate error or a "faux error." Your education re: how people will remove serial numbers will help others avoid the same. It is one of the main reasons I encourage collectors to keep active in the hobby & use the forums!

I hope this incident won't deter your pursuit of collectible banknotes! Most of us go through costly learning curves like yours but we just don't always share them on forums or with each other. Like I wrote earlier, I bought what I thought was a legit error & one that looked dubious from a dealer's junk box. I sold the 2 together as 1 possible error, the other manufactured & was surprised how many bids I got (easily broke even). I have had other costly mistakes which involved buying over graded notes. Feeling burned often made we want to turn away from the hobby but I just chalked it up to rushing/poor judgement & the necessity to learn how to grade more conservatively.

I suggest other collectors educate themselves too. What can we take away from these hard lessons?

I noticed that your note is labelled:
"No Visible Serial Number"
not
"Missing Serial # Error"

Perhaps that (& the level of circulation/or the off coloured tint) should serve as possible clues?