ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Wednesday, October 16, 1996            TAG: 9610160020
SECTION: CURRENT                  PAGE: NRV-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG
SOURCE: KENNETH SINGLETARY 

BIG BUCK UP FOR AUCTION FRIDAY

With an individual serial number, micro printing and latent images, the bill "actually looks and feels better than real currency" the brochure states.

All you millionaire wanna-be's out there who are looking for that last catalyst to send you on your way to Easy Street, this could be your chance. You can buy a "certified million dollar bill" at a fund-raiser auction Friday to benefit the Blacksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The note isn't real, but with lots of zeros and commas, a picture of the Statue of Liberty and an accompanying "certificate of authenticity," your friends might still be impressed.

"By owning a Million Dollar Bill you also have the opportunity to develop your consciousness and enhance your State of Mind towards becoming an actual Millionaire," the note's accompanying brochure proclaims.

Call it big-dollar hype.

The bill was issued by the American Bank Note Co. and commissioned by the "International Association of Millionaires." With an individual serial number, micro printing and latent images, the bill "actually looks and feels better than real currency" the brochure states.

The bill was donated to the chamber by Joel Williams at Dean Witter in Blacksburg. The bills are sold for $12.50 each, or less if you buy in bulk, but there's no telling when the bidding frenzy will finally stop Friday for this item.

Also up for bid will be trips, weekend getaways, signed and numbered prints, advertising packages and other items.

The auction begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Custom Catering Center, at 902 Patrick Henry Drive off North Main Street in Blacksburg, and is open to chamber members and their employees. For more information or to make reservations, call the chamber at 552-4061.

LENGTH: Short :   45 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  With an individual serial number, micor printing and 
          latent images, the bill "actually looks and feels better than real 
          currency" the brochure states.