Most people see a $10 bill as enough for a snack or quick meal. But one rare $10 bill is much more valuable. It’s still legal money, but collectors say it could be worth up to $3 million.
A Rare and Historical Bill
This isn’t just a regular $10 note. It’s a 1928B $10 Gold Certificate. These bills were printed a long time ago and were backed by gold. That means each bill had real gold stored for it. The words “Gold Certificate” were printed right on the top.
This special bill has a printing mistake. A small fruit sticker got stuck on it during printing. This error makes it one of a kind. Collectors now call it the “Del Monte Note of Gold Certificates.” That little sticker turned it into a million-dollar item.
What Makes This Bill So Rare?
There are only a few 1928B $10 Gold Certificates left today. Most were destroyed when the U.S. stopped using the gold standard in the 1930s.
But this bill is different. It has:
- A sticker from a Del Monte banana pack stuck on it during printing
- A unique printing error
- Almost perfect condition, not damaged or worn
- Real history, since it comes from an important time in U.S. money history
Can You Still Use It?
Yes, you can still use this $10 bill to buy something. It’s legal tender. But using it would be a big mistake.
Lisa Thomason, a currency expert, says, “It’s like paying for a coffee with a painting worth millions.” This note is worth much more than $10 to the right collector.
Why Is It Worth So Much?
Several things make this bill so valuable:
| Factor | Why It Matters |
| Rarity | Very few 1928B Gold Certificates exist today |
| Printing Error | The fruit sticker is a rare accident |
| Condition | It’s in excellent shape, almost new |
| History | It shows a time when money was backed by gold |
All these points make this bill highly valuable to collectors and museums.
Can You Find a Valuable $10 Bill at Home?
You might not find this exact bill, but old or rare money could still be in your home. Look for:
- Bills from before 1934, especially gold or silver certificates
- Notes with odd serial numbers, like 00000001 or repeating digits
- “Star notes” with a star next to the serial number
- Bills with printing errors like missing seals or smudges
- Clean, crisp notes without folds or tears
Old Bills Might Be Worth a Fortune
Most people think old bills are just old money. But some are very rare and valuable. Even a small mistake on a bill could turn it into a collector’s dream.
Before you throw away or spend an old note, take a close look. It might be worth much more than its face value.
Conclusion
This $10 bill is a great example of how history and accidents can turn ordinary things into treasures. Though it’s still legal tender, using it for a small purchase would be a huge mistake.
Keep an eye on your old money. You never know when something in your wallet could be worth thousands — or even millions.
FAQs
Is this $10 bill still real money?
Yes, it is still legal tender.
Why is it worth $3 million?
Because it’s rare, has an error, and is in great condition.
What is the Del Monte Note?
A $10 bill with a fruit sticker printed on it.
Can I spend it like normal?
Yes, but it’s a very bad idea.
How do I check if my bill is valuable?
Look for age, condition, errors, and serial numbers.
