What You Get
- High-Quality Prop Money
- Made with the finest quality paper and inks, printed on both sides [5].
- Variety of Types
- Available in different types, including Full Print, RealAged, Close-Up Bills, and Custom Bills to suit various needs [1].
- Realistic Appearance
- Ultra-realistic designs with matte-finish available from suppliers like MJM Magic [4].
- Slightly Smaller than Real Bills
- Prop money is slightly smaller in size than real bills for legal reasons [5].
- Not Legal Tender
- Important: prop money is not legal tender and must not be used as real currency [1].
Prop Money Types: Comparison of Options
| Type | Price | Lead Time | Best For | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full Print | Check supplier | Check supplier | Wide shots, background stacks, scenes where bills are not closely examined [1] | Printed both sides [5]; slightly smaller than real bills [5]; not legal tender [1] |
| RealAged | Check supplier | Check supplier | Scenes requiring worn, circulated appearance; realistic handling shots [1] | Printed both sides [5]; slightly smaller than real bills [5]; not legal tender [1] |
| Close-Up Bills | Check supplier | Check supplier | Tight camera angles, hand-to-hand exchanges, detailed close-ups [1] | Printed both sides [5]; slightly smaller than real bills [5]; not legal tender [1] |
| Custom Bills | Check supplier | Check supplier | Branded events, fictional currencies, specific design requirements [1] | Printed both sides [5]; slightly smaller than real bills [5]; not legal tender [1] |
How to Get Prop Money: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Determine Your Prop Money Needs
Identify the type of prop money required based on the camera distance, visibility, and scene requirements for clean, aged, or custom money1.
Step 2: Choose the Right Type of Prop Money
Select from available types: Full Print, RealAged, Close-Up Bills, and Custom Bills, depending on your specific needs1.
Step 4: Check Product Details
Ensure the prop money is made with high-quality paper and inks, printed on both sides, and slightly smaller than real bills for legal compliance5.
Step 5: Purchase Prop Money
Visit the chosen supplier's website and follow their purchasing process to acquire the required prop money.
Step 6: Verify the Product
Upon receiving the prop money, verify that it meets your requirements and is suitable for your intended use.
Legal Risks and Limitations
Prop money carries serious legal restrictions that every buyer must understand before purchasing. Any attempt to use prop money as real currency is a serious federal offence punishable by fines and imprisonment5. This is not a minor regulatory concern—misuse can result in criminal prosecution.
Prop money is not legal tender and must never be represented or used as real currency1. Suppliers manufacture these bills slightly smaller in size than genuine notes specifically for legal compliance5. This size difference is a protective measure, not a defect, and cannot be customised to match real currency dimensions.
Before purchasing, verify your intended use is strictly limited to film production, photography, theatrical performances, educational demonstrations, or private events where all participants understand the money is fake. Using prop money in public spaces, attempting to deposit it, or passing it in transactions—even as a prank—violates federal counterfeiting laws.
No supplier can guarantee immunity from legal consequences if prop money is misused, lost, or mistaken for real currency by third parties. You are solely responsible for secure storage, controlled distribution on set, and complete retrieval after use. Check your jurisdiction's specific regulations on possessing realistic replica currency; some regions require permits or impose additional restrictions beyond federal law.
Return policies vary by supplier and typically exclude opened packages due to the nature of the product. Confirm cancellation terms and inspection procedures before completing your order.