CASE OF THE MISSING SERIAL NUMBERS

Having displayed an exhibit of printing errors on one dollar notes at the P.A.N. show last week, I was naturally curious when I noticed an ad which showed a U.S. dollar bill that did NOT have any serial numbers. Even more curious was the fact that the Treasury Seal WAS present, an impossibility since both the seal and the serial numbers are printed together in the overprinting process. The company is a new internet firm called BuyerWeb, so I went to their web site and emailed them my question:

"Is there a reason why the dollar bill atop the stack of cash in your latest ads does not have the serial numbers printed on it? Just curious… "

"Thanks for your interest in our recent ad campaign. In response to your question, it's my understanding that U.S. currency can not be reproduced photographically without certain alterations. Otherwise, it could be considered counterfeiting.

Congratulations on your clever observation. The ad was produced by our agency and no one here noticed the missing serial numbers until you pointed it out."

I don't think erasing the serial numbers is one of the "certain alterations" called for by the Treasury, but it's the thought that counts…

Wayne Homren, Editor

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The E-Sylum: Volume 02, Number 45, November 7, 1999, Article 6

CASE OF THE MISSING SERIAL NUMBERS

Wayne Homren, Editor