Where to Buy Counterfeit Money (Legal Prop Money) – A 2025 Guide

When you hear the phrase “buy counterfeit money,” it might sound illegal, and in many cases, it is. But there is a large, legal market for realistic-looking money that is not official currency. This money is often called prop money, and it has many uses. You have likely seen it in your favorite movies and music videos, where big stacks of cash are used for scenes. Film and television productions are the biggest users of prop money because using real money is a security risk and can be very expensive. Beyond Hollywood, prop money is also used for training purposes. Banks and other businesses that handle a lot of cash use it to train their employees on how to count and handle money quickly and accurately.

There are other fun uses for prop money, too. Many people buy it for parties, as a gag gift, or for elaborate pranks. Collectors also seek out novelty money, which can be custom-designed or commemorative bills. With so many legitimate uses, the demand for high-quality fake bills is growing. This leads to important questions for anyone looking to buy. Where can you find prop money for sale? How can you be sure what you are buying is legal? What is the real difference between the prop money you can legally buy and illegal counterfeit currency? It is important to understand these differences to avoid any legal trouble. This article will guide you through the world of prop money, show you where to buy it, and help you understand how to use it safely and legally. We will look at top sellers and give you the information you need to make a good choice for your needs, whether you are a filmmaker, a collector, or just looking for some fun.

Top 7 Places to Buy Prop Money

Finding a reliable source for prop money is important. You want bills that look good on camera but are clearly marked as props to stay on the right side of the law. Here are seven real businesses where you can find high-quality prop money for sale.

1. Prop Movie Money

Prop Movie Money is a well-known name in the industry, specializing in prop currency for film and television. They offer a wide range of bills that are designed to look very realistic on screen. Their products have been used in many major motion pictures and music videos. They focus on creating money that meets legal requirements while still providing the visual accuracy that filmmakers need. Their website offers various denominations and styles, including aged and new-looking bills, to fit different scene requirements. They sell their money in stacks, making it easy to buy in bulk for scenes that require a large amount of cash.

The company prides itself on its attention to detail and its commitment to following legal guidelines. The bills are printed on high-quality paper to give them a realistic feel, but they also include clear markings, such as “For Motion Picture Use Only,” to ensure they are not mistaken for real currency. This balance between realism and legality is a key selling point for Prop Movie Money. They cater to both large production studios and independent filmmakers, offering different packages to suit various budgets and needs. Their experience in the industry makes them a trusted choice for many professionals.

Features:

• Realistic designs for on-camera use
• Aged and new-style bills available
• Sold in full print stacks
• Clear “For Motion Picture Use Only” markings
• Custom design options for special projects

Pros:

• High-quality printing and paper
• Trusted by major film and music video productions
• Good variety of denominations and styles
• Compliant with legal requirements for prop money
• Fast shipping options are available

Cons:

• It can be more expensive than some other options
• Minimum order quantities may apply for some products

2. NewRuleFX

NewRuleFX is a broad supplier of props for the entertainment industry, and they have a solid selection of prop money and related items. Unlike some sellers who only focus on paper currency, NewRuleFX also offers items like fake gold bars, prop diamonds, and money bags. This makes them a one-stop shop for productions that need a variety of wealth-related props. Their prop money is designed to be safe for use on set and is clearly marked to prevent any confusion with real currency. They offer different styles, including crisp new bills and artificially aged stacks, to match the needs of any scene.

The company is known for its wide range of special effects props, and their prop money is just one part of their extensive catalog. They emphasize safety and legal compliance in all their products. Their website provides detailed descriptions and images, so you know exactly what you are getting. NewRuleFX is a good option for those who need more than just fake bills, as you can also purchase breakaway props, rubber stunt weapons, and other items for your production. Their experience with a wide variety of props means they understand the demands of a film set and can provide reliable products.

Features:

• Offers prop money, fake gold, and other wealth-related props
• Both new and aged bill styles are available
• Clear legal markings on all currency
• Sells full print and filler stacks
• Also, a major supplier of other special effects props

Pros:

• A wide variety of props beyond just money
• Good for one-stop shopping for production needs
• Focus on safety and legal compliance
• Detailed product descriptions and images
• Custom work is available for specific needs

Cons:

• Prop money is not their sole focus, so the selection might be smaller than specialized sellers
• Some items can be out of stock due to high demand

3. MJM Magic

MJM Magic is a popular online store for magicians, but they also offer a range of realistic prop money that is perfect for performances, videos, and pranks. Because their primary audience is magicians, their prop money is designed to look very convincing up close. This makes it an excellent choice for scenes where the money will be seen in detail. They offer a variety of denominations of US dollars and even some foreign currencies like Euros. The bills are printed on both sides and are made to feel similar to real currency, which is important for magic tricks and sleight of hand.

While their products are highly realistic, MJM Magic is careful to follow the law. Their prop money includes markings like “Replica” and “Not Legal Tender” to ensure it cannot be used as real money. They sell single bills as well as full stacks, providing flexibility for different needs. This is useful for someone who only needs a few bills for a magic trick or a small-scale video project. The company has a strong reputation in the magic community for providing quality products and good customer service.

Features:

• Highly realistic designs suitable for close-up shots
• Offers US dollars and some foreign currencies
• Sells both single bills and full stacks
• Bills are printed on both sides
• Made with a focus on magicians’ needs

Pros:

• Very convincing appearance
• Good for magic tricks, pranks, and detailed video shots
• Flexible purchasing options (single bills or stacks)
• A reputable company in the magic community
• Free shipping on orders over a certain amount

Cons:

• The selection of currencies and styles may be limited
• Slightly smaller in size than real currency for legal reasons

4. Buzzprops

Buzzprops is another major player in the prop money market, known for its high-quality and realistic-looking bills. They have a reputation for producing some of the most visually accurate prop money available, which has made them a favorite among filmmakers and music video directors. Their products are created with great attention to detail, from the color and texture of the paper to the design of the bills themselves. They offer a range of denominations, as well as both modern and older-style bills, making it easy to find the right currency for any period.

The company understands the legal requirements for prop money and ensures that all of its products are compliant. The bills are designed to look great on camera without crossing the line into illegal counterfeit territory. Buzzprops offers both full print stacks and filler stacks, which have blank paper in the middle, to help productions save money on scenes that require large bundles of cash. They are also known for their excellent customer service and fast shipping, which is a big plus for productions on a tight schedule.

Features:

• Extremely realistic and detailed designs
• Wide range of denominations and styles, including historical bills
• Offers both full print and filler stacks
• Strong focus on legal compliance
• Bills are printed on high-quality, non-glossy paper

Pros:

• Considered one of the most realistic options on the market
• Excellent for high-definition and close-up shots
• Flexible options with filler stacks to save money
• Good customer service and fast shipping
• Positive reviews from industry professionals

Cons:

• Higher price point due to the quality
• Some products may be too realistic for certain non-professional uses

5. Stunt Props

Stunt Props is a company that provides a variety of equipment for movie and stage productions, including a selection of prop money. While their main focus is on stunt equipment like rubber weapons and breakaway glass, their prop money is a reliable option for filmmakers. Their bills are designed to be durable and look realistic enough for on-screen use. They understand the needs of action sequences and other high-energy scenes, so their props are made to withstand some handling.

The company’s prop money is clearly marked as not being legal tender, ensuring that it complies with all relevant laws. They offer common denominations of US currency, which are suitable for most film and television projects. Because they cater to the stunt community, they are a good source for other production needs as well. If you are filming an action scene that requires both prop money and stunt gear, Stunt Props can be a convenient place to get everything you need from a single supplier.

Features:

• Durable prop money suitable for action scenes
• Clearly marked for legal compliance
• Offers common US denominations
• Part of a larger catalog of stunt equipment
• Reliable supplier for the stunt community

Pros:

• Good for productions that also need stunt gear
• Durable enough to withstand handling on set
• Convenient one-stop shopping for certain productions
• Knowledgeable about the needs of the film industry
• Focus on safety in all their products

Cons:

• Limited selection of prop money styles and currencies
• May not be the best option for close-up, detailed shots

6. Production Props and Media

Production Props and Media is a company dedicated to providing high-quality props for all types of media productions. They have a strong focus on realism and legal compliance. Their prop money is designed to look as close to real currency as legally possible, making it a popular choice for filmmakers who need convincing visuals. They offer a variety of denominations and can provide both new, crisp bills and artificially aged ones to suit the context of the scene.

The company is known for its attention to detail and its commitment to customer satisfaction. They work with their clients to ensure they get the right props for their specific needs. In addition to standard prop money, they may also offer custom design services for productions that require unique or specialized currency. Their website is easy to navigate, and they provide clear information about their products and their compliance with federal law.

Features:

• High-quality, realistic prop money
• Aged and new styles available
• Focus on legal compliance and customer satisfaction
• Custom design services may be available
• Clear product information on their website

Pros:

• Realistic look and feel for on-camera use
• Good for productions that need a specific look
• Helpful customer service
• Commitment to following the law
• Easy-to-use website

Cons:

• It may be more expensive than some competitors
• Custom orders can take longer to produce

7. The Great American Coin Company

The Great American Coin Company is primarily a dealer of collectible coins and paper money. Still, they also offer a selection of novelty and commemorative bills that can be used as prop money. Their novelty bills often feature fun designs, such as celebrity faces or holiday themes, making them a great option for gag gifts, parties, or special events. While not intended for film production in the same way as other prop money, these bills can be a unique addition to a collection or a fun item for personal use.

Because they are a legitimate coin and currency dealer, The Great American Coin Company understands the laws surrounding money and collectibles. Their novelty bills are not intended to deceive and are clearly sold as collectibles. They offer a wide variety of designs, and their products are often very affordable. If you are a collector of unique or unusual currency, or if you need some fun, non-traditional “money” for an event, this company is a great place to look.

Features:

• Specializes in collectible coins and novelty bills
• Wide variety of fun and unique designs
• Affordable prices
• Reputable dealer in the numismatic community
• Good for collectors and special events

Pros:

• Unique and interesting designs not found elsewhere
• Great for gag gifts, parties, and collectors
• Affordable and easy to purchase
• Trusted company with knowledge of currency laws
• Large selection of other collectible items

Cons:

• Not designed for professional film production
• The realism is not intended to mimic real currency

Buying Guide

When you decide to buy prop money, there are several things you need to consider to make sure you get the right product for your needs and stay out of legal trouble. This guide will walk you through the important factors to think about.

Understanding the Legal

First and foremost, you must understand the difference between legal prop money and illegal counterfeit money. Prop money is designed to look real from a distance but has clear markings that identify it as fake upon closer inspection. These markings can include phrases like “For Motion Picture Use Only,” “Not Legal Tender,” or having fictitious serial numbers and altered designs. Counterfeit money, on the other hand, is made with the intent to deceive people and be used as real currency, which is a serious crime. Always buy from reputable sellers who clearly state that their products are for novelty or production use only and comply with the law.

Realism vs. Use Case

The level of realism you need will depend on how you plan to use the prop money. For a film or music video where the money will be seen in high-definition or close-up shots, you will want the most realistic-looking bills you can legally buy. These are often called “full print” stacks and have detailed printing on both sides of every bill. For scenes where the money is just a background element, or for training purposes, you can often use “filler” stacks. These stacks have realistic bills on the top and bottom, but the middle is filled with blank paper. This can save you much money. For parties or gag gifts, the realism is less important, and you can choose more fun, novelty designs.

What to Look for in a Seller

When choosing a seller, look for a company with a good reputation and positive reviews from other customers, especially from people in the film or media industry. A good seller will be transparent about their products, providing clear images and detailed descriptions. They should also have a clear shipping and return policy. It is also a good idea to choose a seller based in your own country to avoid any potential issues with international shipping and customs. Finally, a reputable seller will have good customer service and be willing to answer any questions you have about their products or their legality.

What is Prop Money?

Prop money is a term for fake currency that is made to be used in movies, television shows, music videos, and other media productions. It looks like real money from a distance, but has special features that make it clear it is not real currency when you look at it closely. This is done to prevent it from being used to commit fraud.

These features include being a different size than real money, having markings like “For Motion Picture Use Only,” and using designs that are similar but not identical to real bills. The goal is to create something that looks good on camera without breaking the law. Prop money is also used for training in banks and fun at parties or as gifts.

The History of Prop Money

The use of fake money in entertainment is almost as old as filmmaking itself. In the early days of Hollywood, studios would often use real money for their productions. However, this created significant security risks and was very expensive, especially for scenes that required large amounts of cash. As a solution, they began to create their own prop money. Early versions were often very simple and did not look very realistic, but as film technology improved, so did the demand for more convincing props.

Over the years, the design of prop money has evolved significantly. In the past, the laws were less strict, and prop money could be made to look very similar to real currency. However, as printing technology became more advanced and accessible, the risk of prop money being used for illegal activities increased. This led to stricter laws and regulations governing its design and production. Today, prop money manufacturers must follow specific guidelines to ensure their products are legally compliant while still meeting the visual demands of modern media.