Despite spending a year in jail, a much sought-after counterfeiter ended up earning more than he did from his fake and flabby one dollar notes.
In 1938, a New York cigar shop owner went to the bank to cash his daily profits.
As the teller sifted through the haul, she spotted an unusual $1 bill. It felt like cheap paper in her hands, the lettering was askew, and George Washington looked more like an animated corpse than a noble head of state. It was, no doubt, the worst counterfeit she’d seen in all her years.
The bill was sent to the United States Secret Service. Soon, thousands more just like it came pouring in, each more abysmal than the last.
The old counterfeiter led a better life after returning from jail. If you’re wondering how, read more about the financial farce here.
Image Credit: various papers; 1948