SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/torn-bill-more-than-half

The dog chewed a $20 bill, but more than half is left. Is it still worth anything?

Yes, full value, if clearly more than half of the bill is there.

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The Just Right card

Too littleThrow the chewed bill away
Too muchTape the scraps and argue with a cashier
Just rightKeep every piece and get it redeemed

Huh, didn't know that: Even if less than half is left, the BEP can still pay if you show the missing part was destroyed.

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References

Answer: Yes, full value if clearly more than half is there. If clearly more than half of a bill is there, it can be redeemed for full value. Badly damaged money goes to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which redeems it for free.

  1. Bureau of Engraving and Printing: Mutilated Currency Redemption www.bep.gov/services/mutilated-currency-redemption
    Clearly more than 50% of a note identifiable as United States currency is present, along with sufficient remnants of any relevant security feature
    Checked 2026-10-09.
  2. Bureau of Engraving and Printing: Mutilated Currency Redemption (free service) www.bep.gov/services/mutilated-currency-redemption
    The BEP’s Mutilated Currency Division provides free mutilated currency redemption services for individuals and institutions
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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