Common $100 Bill You may have a $100 bill in your pocket that is worth far more than its face value. This $100 bill from 2013 looks like a regular note, but it has some special features that make it extremely valuable to collectors. These notes can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. With a little knowledge, you can identify these rare notes and perhaps turn your winnings into a small fortune. Let’s find out what makes these notes special and how to tell if you’ve won a prize.
What Makes the 2013 $100 Note Special Common $100 Bill
The 2013 $100 note was part of a major overhaul by the U.S. Treasury. It has great security features like a blue 3D ribbon and a color-changing bell in the ink bottle. These features were added to prevent counterfeit notes, but some notes have errors during printing. These mistakes, like ink blots or misalignment of the ribbon, make some notes rare. Also, some notes have unique serial numbers that attract collectors. These features can make an ordinary $100 note a dream for collectors.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Star Note | Has a star (*) at the end of the serial number |
| Low Serial | Numbers from 00000001 to 00000100 |
How to identify a valuable note
To know if your 2013 $100 note is rare, pay attention to a few important things. First, look at the serial number, which is the green number on the right side of the note. Collectors look for patterns like this.
Repeating numbers: Patterns like 12121212.
Radar numbers: Numbers that look the same on the front and back, such as 12344321.
Low numbers: Numbers like 00000001 to 00000100.
Solid numbers: All the same digits, such as 77777777.
Star note: A star (*) at the end of the serial number indicates it replaced a damaged bill.
Also, check for printing errors like ink blots or misaligned security features. Use a magnifying glass to look for small details. Clear, unworn bills are more valuable.
Major error causing price hike
A famous mistake happened in 2014 and 2016 when two printing plants made $100 notes with the same serial number. This is called a duplicate serial number error. Usually, every note has a different serial number, but this error led to rare pairs. If you have a note with a serial number starting with B or L and a star, it could be the cause of this error. These notes, especially matching pairs, can sell for anywhere from $1500 to $15000 or even more, depending on their condition.
| Error Type | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Duplicated Serial | $1500 to $15000 |
| Star Note | $200 to $500+ |
What to do if you find a rare note
If you think you have a rare $100 note from 2013, don’t spend it. Keep it in a protective box to prevent damage. Take it to a currency dealer or a grading service like PCGS or PMG to check its authenticity and condition. You can sell it through auction houses, online sites like eBay, or collector forums, but make sure the buyer is reputable. Some collectors have found these notes in everyday places like change from a store or in an old envelope, and have sold them for thousands.
Start your treasure hunt today
The next time you find a $100 bill from 2013, take a good look at it. Look for stars in the serial number, unusual patterns, or printing mistakes. You may be holding a piece of history that’s worth far more than $100. With a little effort, you can find a rare note that can turn your extra cash into a major windfall. So grab your wallet, check your notes, and join the search for these hidden treasures.