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I have half of the $5 swallowed by the vending machine, another half remained in my hand. Can I get my $5 back, or its all lost forever?

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I don't know the legal basis for my claim, but I think you are justified in tossing a couple of firm elbows at the machine. At least a good solid wallop on the side. – MrChrister♦ Jan 15 at 0:04
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@MrChrister Did that, but adding insult to injury, my elbows hurt and the machine doesn't care. Or is it injury added to insult? – littleadv Jan 15 at 0:05
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That machine cares. It doesn't show it; but it cares. – MrChrister♦ Jan 15 at 0:15
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@GeorgeMarian its not mutilated, its just torn. And the problem is that its not really "clearly" more than half that's left on each side. – littleadv Jan 15 at 0:16
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2 Answers

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According to the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, if you have clearly one-half of the current bill remaining, you should be able to take it to your bank and exchange it. But if for some reason your bank will not take it, you can submit it to Bureau of Engraving and Printing Office of Currency Standards.

Question asked on http://www.moneyfactory.gov/faqlibrary.html

I have some currency that was damaged. My bank will not exchange it for undamaged currency. What can I do? The Bureau of Engraving and Printing's Office of Currency Standards processes all requests for reimbursement for damaged United States currency. They decide the redemption value of torn or otherwise unfit currency by measuring the portions of the notes submitted. Generally, they reimburse the full face value if clearly more than one-half of the original note remains. Currency fragments measuring less than one-half are not redeemable. Go to the Damaged Money section of our website for additional information and the procedures to redeem mutilated currency.

However take notice of this:

Any badly soiled, dirty, defaced, disintegrated, limp, torn, worn, out currency note that is CLEARLY MORE than one-half of the original note, and does not require special examination to determine its value. These notes should be exchanged through your local bank.

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I found that, but it doesn't address a case where its exactly one half.... (Kids, don't put so much pressure when you fold the bills in your pockets in half!) – littleadv Jan 15 at 1:45
I just saw your comment on the original question - sorry it was hidden. Perhaps if the $5 dollars is worth it, you can submit it the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and they could provide you a value. I'd be interested to understand what the process is about and if they would actually give you face value or some predetermined value based on how much of the bill is left. – Eric U. Jan 15 at 1:56
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I read this too. If the vending machine operator did it, wouldn't that effectively double the $5? – MrChrister♦ Jan 15 at 3:10
@littleadv "At least half" = 50% = "exactly one half" They can all be equivalent. – George Marian♦ Jan 15 at 4:58
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@GeorgeMarian they want more than half, not at least. Quote: "More than 50% of a note identifiable as United States currency is present". – littleadv Jan 15 at 18:20
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up vote 8 down vote

There is usually contact information for the owner of the machine printed somewhere on it. Call that number. If it is in a business you could always try the clerk.

Whether you get your money back is up to that person, I suppose.

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I was going to suggest sitting by the machine until it's serviced, but this answer is probably the way to go. – JoeTaxpayer Jan 15 at 2:10
Contacted the maintenance dept, lets see what happens. The other half of the bill is as useless to whoever got it as my half is to me.... – littleadv Jan 15 at 2:14

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