Mutilated Currency Redemption | Engraving & Printing (2024)

On average, BEP receives more than 22,000 requests for examination of mutilated currency for possible redemption each year, with an estimated value in excess of $35 million.

Mutilated currency is currency which has been damaged to the extent that one-half or less of the original note remains, or its condition is such that its value is questionable. Currency notes can become mutilated in any number of ways. The most common causes are fire, water, chemicals, and explosives; animal, insect, or rodent damage; and petrification or deterioration by burying.

Mutilated Currency Redemption | Engraving & Printing (2024)

FAQs

Mutilated Currency Redemption | Engraving & Printing? ›

Lawful holders of mutilated currency

mutilated currency
Mutilated currency is currency which has been damaged – to the extent that: (1) one-half or less of the original note remains; or (2) its condition is such that its value is questionable.
https://www.bep.gov › services › mutilated-currency-faqs
may receive a redemption at full value when: Clearly more than 50% of a note identifiable as United States currency is present, along with sufficient remnants of any relevant security feature; or.

What are the requirements for mutilated currency? ›

Mutilated currency is currency which has been damaged – to the extent that: (1) one-half or less of the original note remains; or (2) its condition is such that its value is questionable.

Can banks accept mutilated money? ›

Not all damage to a Federal Reserve note requires for it to be sent to the BEP for possible redemption. For example, dirty or worn currency may be exchanged at a commercial financial institution.

How do I check the status of mutilated currency? ›

The best method to contact the BEP'S Mutilated Currency Division for information about pending cases is via their email address: mcdstatus@bep.gov. You may call the BEP's toll-free number (866) 575-2361, to obtain information on a mutilated currency claim.

What is an example of a mutilated currency? ›

One example of mutilated currency may be bills missing relevant security features. Currency can become mutilated in any number of ways. The most common causes are: fire, water, chemicals, and explosives; animal, insect, or rodent damage; and petrification or deterioration by burying.

How to redeem damaged currency? ›

As long as more than half of the original note is clearly present—and it doesn't take special examination to determine the note's value—a commercial bank can then include the note in its deposit to the Federal Reserve.

Will banks accept damaged notes? ›

The Bank replaces damaged banknotes, including those torn or burnt, with new banknotes, according to the proportion of the part of the original banknote remaining, provided that both front and reverse sides of the banknote are maintained.

Can a bank refuse mutilated money? ›

Often times, even financial institutions won't accept cash if it's too damaged. This is because the Federal Reserve does not accept deposits of mutilated money from banks and credit unions.

Can a bank refuse torn money? ›

A bank does not have to accept a ripped bill if it's too badly mutilated or there's not enough left of the original. The bank does have to evaluate your damaged currency to see whether it can be replaced.

How to get rid of mutilated money? ›

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) redeems mutilated currency as a free public service. Please find more information about this service at BEP Currency Redemption Services.

Is half a $20 bill worth anything? ›

Under regulations issued by the Department of the Treasury, mutilated United States currency may be exchanged at face value if more than 50% of a note identifiable as United States currency is present.

Will banks replace damaged money? ›

The currency “may be exchanged at commercial banks.” You could tape the green stuff back together but be warned that merchants may not accept the bandaged bills. If you have, what the government refers to as, “mutilated money” then you can send the cash off to the Treasury for exchange.

How do I redeem mutilated coins? ›

Mutilated coins submitted for redemption must meet the acceptance criteria listed below. Contact us with questions at MutilatedCoin@usmint.treas.gov or 202-354-7760. Coins submitted for exchange must be clean, free of debris, free of residual substance(s) on the surface, and identifiable as United States coins.

Can you go to jail for destroying U.S. currency? ›

Burning money is illegal in the United States and is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, not to mention fines. It's also illegal to tear a dollar bill and even flatten a penny under the weight of a locomotive on the railroad tracks.

What to do with mutilated notes? ›

A mutilated note is a note of which a portion is missing or which is composed of more than two pieces. Mutilated notes may be presented at any of the bank branches. The notes so presented shall be accepted, exchanged and adjudicated in accordance with Reserve Bank of India (Note Refund) Rules, 2009.

Is altering U.S. currency a crime? ›

18 U.S. Code section 331: This statute addresses the mutilation, diminution, or falsification of U.S. coins. You can be charged with on offense for fraudulently defacing coins, mutilating coins, altering coins, diminishing them, impairing them, scaling them, or lightening them.

Can banks refuse damaged money? ›

Often times, even financial institutions won't accept cash if it's too damaged. This is because the Federal Reserve does not accept deposits of mutilated money from banks and credit unions.

How do you replace mutilated U.S. currency? ›

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) redeems mutilated currency as a free public service.

Is it illegal to mutilate currency? ›

These protections under federal law are designed to ensure the integrity of coins and currency. 18 U.S.C. 331 makes it a federal crime to fraudulently alter, mutilate, or falsify United States coins. Suppose you violated this federal statute.

Is it illegal to have ripped money? ›

As long as three-quarters of a bill are intact, you can exchange it for a whole bill. For more severe damage, you will need to submit your bills to the Mutilated Currency Division of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, where it will be reviewed by U.S. currency experts.

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