Legal Tender

Curtis Smith wants his money back. Smith was sleeping in his truck on a lot he owns, when St. Louis police arrested him on suspicion of driving under the influence. The police ultimately did not charge him. But while he was being processed Mayor Adrian Wright saw police counting Smith's money, which included a rare $1,000 bill, several hundreds and a few $2 bills. Wright allegedly wanted the $1,000 note and got 10 $100 bills, which he had police substitute for it when they stored Smith's money. Collectors typically pay between $1,300 and $3,500 for such a bill, depending upon its condition. When Smith was released, he was given $3,231 in cash, representing the face value of the money taken from him, but not his $1,000 bill.