Money is a fickle thing. Save enough and you’ll be rich, but then it becomes worthless sitting in a bank. Spend it all and give it worth, but also have nothing left to fall back on. The only straightforward thing about money, it seems, are the values listed on it. You can say with confidence that a one dollar bill is worth less than a $20 one. Or, can you? As it turns out, the serial number on a dollar bill can be the difference between a buck and $7,000. At their most basic, the randomly selected pattern of eight numbers and two letters on a banknote serves as a way to track the dollar from production to circulation. For collectors, these serial numbers can enhance the value of any tender, given that they have the right pattern. Read the list below to discover the rarest serial numbers that give a real bang for your buck.
Odds of finding one: 1 in 8,749
Number of occurrences in 9,999,999 run: 11,430
Worth: $10 – $50
photo source: Flappity via coincommunity.com
Binary serial numbers consist exclusively of the numbers one and zero. The value of a binary dollar depends on the pattern, with some collectors seeking particular combinations over others. In total, all binary dollars are worth some amount of money as they are generally rare. Some collectors consider two repeated numbers that are not one and zero to be binary as well, but most define these dollars as “repeaters.”
Did you know
Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase was the first person whose visage was on the paper dollar.
Odds of finding one: 1 in 10,010
Number of occurrences in 9,999,999 run: 9,990
Worth: about $100
photo source: oldcurrencyvalues.com
A repeater is fairly self explanatory. It describes a note that has a serial number with any sort of repetitive pattern. These patterns can include any kind of numbers in any sort of arrangement, as long as they meet the basic qualifications. As a result, repeater notes aren’t worth very much because, although rare, they are a lot easier to come by. With that said, they’re still considered collectibles.
Did you know
The dollar sign was developed in 1785 based on the Spanish American version of the sign for pesos, which was a P with a tiny s next to it.
Odds of finding one: 1 in 10,010
Number of occurrences in 9,999,999 run: 9,990
Worth: about $25, but could be more
photo source: oldcurrencyvalues.com
A radar is a note with a serial number that reads the same backwards and forwards; it’s a numerical palindrome, so to speak. The term radar itself is also a palindrome, hence the name. While it only shows up once every 10,000 times, collectors don’t consider it rare in comparison to other serial patterns. However, radars were less common pre-1958 so a radar bill dated from that time might be worth a bit more. In general, seek out radars with other interesting elements to get more money from collectors and auctions
Did you know
The Massachusetts Bay Colony was one of the first groups in America to use paper dollars. Several other colonies followed suit and the British government imposed restrictions on such notes.
Odds of finding one: 1 in 138,889
Number of occurrences in 9,999,999 run: 720
Worth: up to $500
photo source: Virtualnetwork via Ebay
A seven-of-a-kind serial number has seven numbers repeated. It is significantly rarer than the 01 binary with only 0.7 percent of dollar bills with this pattern. Five-of-a-kind dollar bills are also worth some money, but significantly less at only around $20 to $30. The number seven is considered lucky in several cultures and religions, which could also play a role in its value.
Did you know
The number seven comes up in Christianity, Confucianism and the Quran.
Odds of finding one: 1 in 555,556
Number of occurrences in 9,999,999 run: 180
Worth: About $200
photo source: Worthopedia
In contrast to a dollar with a seven-of-a-kind serial number, seven-in-a-row must have a repeated number without any breaks. So, for example, instead of 77717777, it would have the one either at the beginning or end of the series. Since serial numbers are determined randomly, the likelihood of finding a dollar bill with seven of the same numbers all in order is quite low. One seller managed to impress even further, finding a twenty dollar bill with seven sevens all in a row.
Did you know
Paper money isn’t made from paper at all, but a fabric blend of cotton and linen.
Odds of finding one: 1 in 1,111,111
Number of occurrences in 9,999,999 run: 90
Worth: Inconclusive
photo source: coolserialnumbers.com
With the double quad, the dollar bill enters more patterned territory. Unlike a binary serial number, which can have two numbers in any random arrangement, a double quad has one number repeated at the beginning and a different number repeated at the end. Due to the specificity required for this particular serial number, double quads are extremely rare. The range in values for this type of dollar bill is astronomical with some Ebay sellers asking for $20 and others asking for $999.
Did you know
Almost half of the dollar bills made are worth one dollar.
Odds of finding one: 1 in 1,111,111
Number of occurrences in 9,999,999 run: 90
Worth: About $94
photo source: coolserialnumbers.com
A radar repeater is a combination of the radar and the repeater serial number combinations. In essence a radar repeater serial number has a pattern that’s repeated in the first four and last four digits. Examples include: 98899889, 72277227, etc. These could also double as binary dollar bills if the patterns involve one and zero.
Did you know
Martha Washington is the only woman to be featured on a US note. This might be changing, however, as the government pushes to replace Andrew Jackson with Harriet Tubman on the $20 bill.
Odds of finding one: 1 in 1,111,111
Number of occurrences in 9,999,999 run: 90
Worth: About $80
photo source: coolserialnumbers.com
The super radar is a subcategory of the radar. In this pattern, the first and last digits match and sandwich six repeating and/or patterned numbers. For example, 20000002 and 8455548 are both super radars. Interestingly, you have a similar chance of finding this type of bill as you do a radar repeater and a double quad. This shows a possible pattern within patterned serial numbers.
Did you know
The penny is the only coin where the figure, in this case, President Abraham Lincoln, faces right.
Odds of finding one: 1,111,111
Number of occurrences in 9,999,999 run: 90
Worth: About $100
photo source: Thomasodel8l4-4 via Ebay
In a super repeater, the first two digits in a serial number are repeated throughout the sequence. Super repeaters, like most repeaters, range a lot in value. Some repeaters aren’t worth much, while others can cost hundreds of dollars. This shows that, although rare, these kinds of dollars are still not the rarest possible. Either way, though, they’re definitely more valuable than their intended price!
Did you know
There are approximately 38 million bills printed each day. Some of these add to the money currently in circulation while others replace worn out dollars that are no longer viable.
Odds of finding one: 9
Number of occurrences in 9,999,999 run: 1 in 11,111,111
Worth: $500, but can go into the thousands
photo source: Happyalways4 via Ebay
Solid serial numbers are extremely rare and cost at least $500. A dollar with a solid pattern has the same number repeated in the serial number. Their value increases as the number does. So, for example, a solid serial number of nines is more valuable than one with repeated twos. In fact, solid nines are the most valuable version of the solid because modern serial printing only goes up to 96000000. A buyer might pay even more if the letters in the serial number match as well.
Did you know
Before currency was established and run through the federal government, American banks had the right to create, design and produce their own tenders. As a result, there were about 7,000 unique notes in circulation.
Odds of finding one: 1 in 16,666,667
Number of occurrences in 9,999,999 run: 6/1
Worth: $5,000 +
photo source: oldcurrencyvalues.com
The ladder dollar bill is the rarest dollar ever. There are two categories within the ladder serial number because a true ladder is so rare, only occurring once in every 96 million notes. A ladder is a serial number that follows the standard numerical pattern of one through eight. A true ladder is 12345678 and, as noted, difficult to find. Variations of the ladder pattern include numbers in order that don’t start with one such as, 00123456 or 034567. Additionally, ladders can be backwards so the numbers are in reverse order. Both of these variations are more common and less valuable than the real thing.
Did you know
There are also “scattered” ladders in which the numbers from a series are jumbled. While these might be worth more than the bill they’re on, most collectors don’t consider them on par with true or reverse ladders.
FAQs
What 10 dollar bills are rare? ›
| Series | Seal | Unc Star |
|---|---|---|
| 1934 | Yellow | Rare |
| 1934A | Blue | $800.+ |
| 1934A (North Africa) | Yellow | $1,000.+ |
| 1934A (Hawaii) | Brown | $2,500+ |
Called "ladder bills," the most sought-after examples are bills that feature the so-called "perfect" ladder serial numbers: 12345678 and 87654321. Unsurprisingly, these notes are exceedingly scarce and represent only one-in-96-million bills printed, meaning they can sell for big bucks.
How can you tell if a dollar bill is rare? ›Generally, the more unique the serial number on your dollar bill, the more likely it is to be worth more than face value. Some examples of uniqueness include repeating numbers, numbers with a star after them and sequences (such as 12345678).
What is the rarest 1 dollar bill number? ›If you see a “solid” serial number on your note — such as 55555555 — you can expect to get as much as $500 from collectors. Even more valuable are binary bills in which the serial numbers only have two numbers, such as 29299299. Some of these notes sell for more than $800 on eBay.
What are the Lucky dollar bills? ›The 'lucky dollar' as it is called in the United States - a dollar bill folded in eight - is a good luck charm."
Which 2 dollar bills are rare? ›For those wanted to cash in big on their $2, look for a red seal. If it was printed in 1890 and uncirculated, it's worth $4,500. Other $2 bills with the red seal range from being worth $300 to $2,500. Some bills with brown or blue seals are also worth hundreds of dollars.
Are there any special dollar bills? ›Star Notes (also called Replacement Notes) are special paper money issues that are released in much lower numbers than their regular counterparts. That's because they are only printed when a note is damaged or otherwise found to be imperfect during manufacture.
What is the rarest paper money? ›USA 1882 $100 Gold Certificate – $117,500 (£94k)
Gold certificates were used as paper currency in the USA between 1863 and 1933. They guaranteed the bearer the note's value in gold. The rarest specimens are worth a fortune – this 1882 $100 version, one of just seven, went under the hammer for $117,500 (£94k) in 2013.
A replacement banknote, commonly referred to as a star note, is a banknote that is printed to replace a faulty one and is used as a control mechanism for governments or monetary authorities to know the exact number of banknotes being printed.
How do I know if my old money is worth anything? ›Hire a professional appraiser to grade your coins and tell you how much it is worth. The American Society of Appraisers and International Society of Appraisers have searchable directories of professional appraisers. A dealer might also be able to help.
What makes a 1976 $2 bill rare? ›
A misprint on 1976 2-dollar notes makes the bill rarer and more valuable. The 1976 2-dollar bill featured one crucial misprint called a valuable error bill. An average condition of the 1976 2-dollar bill serial number error is valued at $500, whereas the uncirculated condition is valued at $900.
Where can I sell rare dollar bills? ›American Rarities is a reputable paper currency dealer you can trust. If you have a currency collection for sale contact us today to request a free, no-obligation appraisal and offer on your U.S. paper currency collection, and even your foreign paper currency notes!
What is the most faked dollar bill? ›The $20 bill is the most commonly counterfeited banknote in the U.S., while overseas counterfeiters are more likely to make fake $100 bills. The real $100 bills are more prevalent overseas as well, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco.
Is there a $1 00000 dollar bill? ›The United States has never issued a million dollar bill. However, many businesses print million dollar bills for sale as novelties. Such bills do not assert that they are legal tender. The Secret Service has declared them legal to print or own and does not consider them counterfeit.
What is a fancy serial number on dollar bills? ›Serial numbers that start with four or more nines are fancy: meaning 99990000 - 99999999. The higher, the better. All notes are printed starting with serial number 1, but recently notes have NOT been printed to 99999999.
What five dollar bills are collectible? ›Collectors are eager to pay a lot of money for silver certificate $5 bills from 1886 and 1896 (also known as Morgan back fives). These bills are considered two of the most beautiful banknotes designed in the US. Also, the 1899 $5 silver certificate bill is very attractive due to its unique design.
What dollar bill is most popular? ›If the $100 bill is the most common one around the world, it's also one of the least-glimpsed bills in real life.
What two dollar bills are worth $4500? ›If you have a $2 bill with a red seal that was printed in 1890 and uncirculated, it is now worth $4,500. Other $2 bills with a red seal can fetch between $300 and $2,500, while ones with brown or blue seals can fetch hundreds of dollars. The $2 bill is not rare, but it is uncommon.
How much is a $2 bill worth in 2023? ›Because they're still circulating, most $2 bills are worth exactly that – $2. Any $2 bill dating back to 1976 that has been in circulation – and any uncirculated versions since 2003 – are worth only their face value, USCA says.
How much is a red $2 bill worth? ›According to the USCA website, any $2 bill with a red seal printed between 1862 and and 1896 is worth big bucks. The top payout is $4,500, and that's if the bill was printed in 1890 and uncirculated. Other $2 bills with the red seal range in worth from $300 to $2,500.
What are the rare $1 dollar bills with star? ›
These star notes would be considered collector's items and might be worth more than their face value. The most rare examples are print runs with less than 100,000 bills. For example, in 2017, the third star note print run in Boston had just 25,000 total bills printed, making this a very rare $1 bill to find.
Why does my $1 bill have a star? ›Each note has a unique serial number. The first letter of the serial number corresponds to the series year. A “star” suffix is used to identify notes that serve as replacements during the production process.
Which is the rarest note in the world? ›...
Bank of England £100,000,000 note.
| (United Kingdom) | |
|---|---|
| Design | Britannia |
| Reverse | |
| Design | Blank |
Nevertheless, the absolute record holder is another 1000-dollar note from the same period, issued only a year earlier. The note, in which zeros resemble watermelons, is called 'Grand Watermelon' among enthusiasts. It was sold at auction for EUR 2.791 million, making it probably the most expensive banknote in the world.
What is the oldest paper money ever found? ›Richard Ehrenfeld of Vienna wrote to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to announce that he had in his possession the oldest bank note in existence, a one kwan (or guan) issue of the Ming dynasty from about the year 1375, discovered in 1888 during the demolition of an old house in Beijing and acquired by his father, paper ...
What is a fancy serial number? ›Serial numbers on currency are generally referred to as “fancy” serial numbers - or Special serial numbers by currency collectors. The notes carry any kind of fancy serial number listed below that might bring some premium than the face value.
What does a red star mean on a dollar bill? ›What is a Star Note? A Star Note is a bank note with an asterisk (*) or star placed before or after the serial number. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) uses replacement Star Notes when a bill is found defective during printing. These error notes are replaced with Star Notes .
What is the red star currency? ›Red Star Rings are a new currency introduced in the Sonic Shock update. They are a semi-rare resource that is used for many core features of the game. They are very similar to Rings in appearance, only being red in color, now with a star in the middle.
When should you stop collecting old money? ›“The old designs of N200, N500, and N1000 will no longer be accepted as legal tender after today 10 February 2023. Deposit your old notes now at any of our branches,” tier-two lender, Stanbic IBTC, said in a note to its customers.
Can old money be traced? ›Dollar bills are recorded and sometimes markings are made to assist law enforcement officials in tracking down paper currency. Ordinary individuals can track the history of their own currency and are also able to contribute to its history by logging the details of the bill when it is in their possession.
Can you use really old money? ›
All U.S. currency remains legal tender, regardless of when it was issued.
How much is a 1776 to dollar bill worth? ›The U.S. dollar has lost 97% its value since 1776
$100 in 1776 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $3,486.93 today, an increase of $3,386.93 over 247 years. The dollar had an average inflation rate of 1.45% per year between 1776 and today, producing a cumulative price increase of 3,386.93%.
1976 $2 Palindromes and Ladders
Because these bills are so rare, they can be quite pricey, fetching as much as $95. The ladder is the rarest variety of the 1976 two-dollar series. A ladder occurs when the two serial numbers on the obverse appear in a sequence, such as 12345678.
You can purchase uncut currency in sheets of 4, 5, 8, 10, 16, 20, 25, 32, and 50 notes per sheet. Not all notes, however, are available as uncut currency in all of these sheet sizes.
What is misprinted money worth? ›Most error collectors expect notes to be in perfect condition. A common error on a note in perfect condition usually auctions for around $300. Unusual and rarely encountered errors can sell for thousands of dollars. Please contact us to learn what your misprint should sell for at our next error currency auction.
How to check rare $100 bills? ›Hold the note to light to see an embedded thread running vertically to the left of the portrait. The thread is imprinted with the letters USA and the numeral 100 in an alternating pattern and is visible from both sides of the note. The thread glows pink when illuminated by ultraviolet light.
What is the most expensive dollar bill ever? ›Public domain. The largest denomination ever printed for public consumption, the $10,000 bill never got much use.
Has there ever been a $3 bill? ›During the 1830s, when Florida was a territory, the Legislature authorized the printing of $10,000 in interest-bearing notes. The notes ranged from 12 1/2 cents to $5. The denominations included a three dollar bill.
Was there ever a $4 dollar bill? ›In 1904, $4 bills ceased being issued, but they continued to circulate for several years after that; however, by 1947, according to a Globe and Mail article, they would rarely show up in circulation anymore. Today, the bills are a collector's item.
Who is on a million dollar bill? ›Description. President Thomas Jefferson Million Dollar Bill. These million dollar bills are professionally printed on the front and back. Each bill is the same size as our US currency.
What is a palindrome serial number? ›
A palindromic number (also known as a numeral palindrome or a numeric palindrome) is a number (such as 16461) that remains the same when its digits are reversed.
What is a ladder bill? ›Ladder Serial Number – Fancy Serial Number Bill
Really the only true ladder is a serial number than contains a letter then 12345678 followed by another letter. The true ladder in its purest form is only printed once for every 96 million notes in a standard print run.
The value of a star note depends on the following criteria: Run size: How many bills were printed in the series. The lower the run size the better. Star notes are considered to be more rare when their run size falls below 640,000.
What 10 dollar bill is worth a lot? ›The 1934B $10 bill – You can sell it for $20 if it is in very fine condition. If you are lucky to have one in uncirculated MS 63 condition you can earn up to $115. Bills that originate from the Federal Reserve Banks of Boston and Cleveland are worth much more!
How much is a 2017 $10 bill worth? ›| Year | $1 | $10 |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $12.7 | $20.9 |
| 2018 | $12.4 | $20.1 |
| 2017 | $12.1 | $19.6 |
| 2016 | $11.7 | $19.2 |
Since $10,000 notes were last issued back in 1934, they are extremely rare. You are not likely to ever see one in circulation, and they currently remain soundly in the possession of collectors.
Are 1995 $10 bills worth anything? ›The 1995 series $10 bills are worth around $12.50 in extremely fine condition. Uncirculated bills with a grade of MS 63 can sell for around $25.
Is a $10000 bill still worth $10000? ›On average, you should expect one of these bills in good condition to sell at auction in the $60,000 – $150,000 range. Notes in uncirculated-level quality may sell for even higher. What is this? Even old, poor-condition $10,000 bills typically sell for at least $30,000.
Are $10,000 dollar bills legal? ›The United States no longer issues bills in larger denominations, such as $500, $1,000, $5,000, and $10,000 bills. But they are still legal tender and may still be in circulation. The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing creates U.S. paper currency. Learn about paper money and how to recognize counterfeit currency.
What serial numbers make bills valuable? ›For example, low serial numbers such as those below 1,000 or 100 — for example, 00000100 — have sold for as high as $300 on eBay. A serial number of 00000001 could be worth as much as $15,000, though there's no evidence that one even exists. Similarly, high serial numbers such as 99999900 are also prized by collectors.
Is there a $1000 bill value? ›
According to Old Money Prices, a paper currency collector, a $1,000 bill printed in 1928 with a gold seal could be worth over $20,000, if in uncirculated condition.
What year is the rarest $2 bill? ›The highest value for a $2 note was found on 1890 Treasury Note versions, with the circulated version worth between $550 and $2,500, or at least $4,500 if uncirculated. The collector value is the same for both versions of the 1890 bill, either with a brown seal or a red one.
Is there 1 million dollar note? ›The United States has never issued a million dollar bill. However, many businesses print million dollar bills for sale as novelties. Such bills do not assert that they are legal tender. The Secret Service has declared them legal to print or own and does not consider them counterfeit.
Is it illegal to own a $100 000 dollar bill? ›The $100,000 bill is the highest denomination ever issued by the U.S. Federal Government. Printed in 1934, it was not intended for general use, but instead was used as an accounting device between branches of the Federal Reserve. It is illegal for a private individual to own this banknote.
How rare is a $4 bill? ›In 1904, $4 bills ceased being issued, but they continued to circulate for several years after that; however, by 1947, according to a Globe and Mail article, they would rarely show up in circulation anymore. Today, the bills are a collector's item.
How many $10 bills are in a bundle? ›A bundle consists of 1,000 notes of the same denomination in ten equal straps of 100 notes each.
How much is 2 dollar bill worth? ›Generally speaking, a $2 bill is typically worth $2 if it was produced between 1976 and 2013. Even an uncirculated $2 bill won't be worth more than face value if it was printed after 1976.
Can you spend a ripped $10 bill? ›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.