I think it's like Steve said "fraudulently" is the case.
These laws exist in large part to prevent counterfeiters and swindlers from altering money for nefarious purposes
note: 95 percent of fresh notes simply replace those already in circulation.
Common $1 bills last about 21 months (and much longer if they are a puzzle... :
)
question is what does the Bureau of Engraving and Printing says What Mutilated Currency is:
Notes which are:
NOT CLEARLY more than one-half of the original note and/or,
in such condition that the value is questionable and special examination is required to determine its value.
Currency can become mutilated in any number of ways. The most common causes are: fire, water, chemicals, explosives; animal, insect or rodent damage; and petrification or deterioration by burying. Under regulations issued by the Department of the Treasury, mutilated United States currency may be exchanged at face value if:
More than 50% of a note identifiable as United States currency is present; or,
50% or less of a note identifiable as United States currency is present, and the method of mutilation and supporting evidence demonstrates to the satisfaction of the Treasury that the missing portions have been totally destroyed.
What is Not Mutilated Currency?
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
cutting one for just a jigsaw puzzle...... think it's not in the description of "mutilated" currency.
I would take the risk