Printing has shaped how we share ideas for centuries — but even the best printers have their “oops” moments. A missing word, flipped image, or small typo can turn an ordinary job into a collector’s item or a historical legend. Here are a few of the most famous printing blunders that left their mark (literally).
The Wicked Bible (1631)
One missing word changed everything.
In 1631, London printers Robert Barker and Martin Lucas released a new edition of the King James Bible. Unfortunately, they left out a single, crucial word — “not.” The Seventh Commandment ended up reading: “Thou shalt commit adultery.”
The error outraged King Charles I and the Church of England. The printers were fined £300 and stripped of their printing license. Almost every copy was destroyed, but about a dozen “Wicked Bibles” are known to survive today. This small slip of type became one of the most notorious errors in printing history.
The Typo Worth Billions (2019 Australian $50 Note)
Famous modern printing mistakes.
In 2018, Australia released a redesigned $50 banknote featuring author and politician Edith Cowan. Hidden in microprint behind her portrait was a famous blunder — the word “responsibility” was misspelled as “responsibilty” (missing an “i”).
The typo went unnoticed until 2019, by which time more than 46 million notes worth about A$2.3 billion had already entered circulation. The Reserve Bank of Australia confirmed the mistake, promising to fix it in the next print run. It was a costly reminder that even with advanced technology, proofreading still matters.
The Inverted Jenny (1918)
The upside-down airplane that made stamp history.
When the U.S. Post Office issued its first airmail stamp in 1918, it featured a blue Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny” biplane. During printing, one sheet of 100 stamps was accidentally fed the wrong way, leaving the airplane upside down.
Collectors quickly dubbed it the Inverted Jenny, and it became one of the most valuable stamps in the world. Today, individual stamps from that sheet have sold for well over $1 million at auction — proof that even a major mistake can become a masterpiece.
Why These Mistakes Still Matter
Every print professional knows the value of proofreading, preflight checks, and clear communication. These famous printing mistakes remind us that printing is both an art and a science — a balance between human skill and mechanical precision.
At Bond Reproductions, accuracy starts long before printing begins. Our prepress team conducts thorough preflight checks for file setup, colour, resolution, and bleeds. We provide digital PDF proofs and, when needed, hard copy proofs to confirm colour and paper quality. These careful steps, backed by our experience in digital and offset printing, ensure every project meets professional standards.
We know that every detail counts. From prepress and proofing to colour management and finishing, our team ensures your printed materials are produced with precision and care. Whether you need offset printing, digital printing, or specialty packaging, we help businesses avoid costly mistakes and create work that stands out for all the right reasons.
Ready to see what expert printing can do for your brand? Contact Bond Reproductions today.
