If you have a 2013 $100 bill in your wallet, don’t rush to spend it. Hold On to Your $100 Bills Some of these bills are actually worth far more than their face value. Collectors and currency experts say certain rare versions of the 2013 $100 note can sell for thousands of dollars – if you know what to look for. Before you spend your cash, take a minute to check your bills. You might have a hidden treasure right in your pocket. Hold On to Your $100 Bills
What Makes the 2013 $100 Bill Special?
The 2013 series of $100 bills was part of a major redesign by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. These notes introduced new security features like a blue 3D security ribbon and a color-shifting bell in the inkwell to stop counterfeiting. But what many people don’t know is that some rare printing errors or special serial numbers on these bills can make them very valuable to collectors. Hold On to Your $100 Bills
Some 2013 $100 bills are worth big money because:
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They have fancy serial numbers (like repeating digits or “ladders”).
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They were printed with errors, like misaligned printing or ink smears.
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They were printed at the Fort Worth facility instead of the Washington, D.C. facility, making certain runs more rare.
How to Identify Rare and Valuable 2013 $100 Bills
If you want to check your 2013 $100 bills, start by looking at the serial number on the front of the note. Here’s what to look for:
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Serial numbers with repeating patterns like 88888888 or 00000001
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“Ladder” serial numbers, like 12345678 or 87654321
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Low serial numbers (00000001 to 00000100)
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Palindrome numbers, like 12344321
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Star notes (bills with a star * at the end of the serial number)
Here’s a quick table to help you spot these special bills:
| Type of Serial Number | Example | Possible Value Over Face |
|---|---|---|
| Repeating Numbers | 77777777 | Up to $5,000+ |
| Ladder Numbers | 12345678 | Up to $10,000+ |
| Low Serial Numbers | 00000005 | Up to $15,000+ |
| Palindromes | 12344321 | Up to $4,000+ |
| Star Notes | L12345678* | Up to $1,000+ |
Why Are These Bills Worth So Much?
Collectors love unique or rare currency. Special serial numbers make a bill stand out, while printing mistakes turn everyday money into rare collectibles. When only a few of these unique bills exist, collectors are willing to pay thousands of dollars to add them to their collections.
Some of these notes have already sold at auction for huge amounts. A 2013 $100 bill with a low serial number sold for over $10,000. Other bills with fancy numbers regularly sell online for several times their face value.
How to Keep Your Bills Safe If You Find One
If you discover a 2013 $100 bill that matches one of the rare types listed above, don’t spend it or fold it. Instead:
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Keep it flat and store it in a protective sleeve or between heavy books to avoid creases.
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Avoid handling it too much, since oils from your hands can damage the bill.
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Have it graded or appraised by a trusted currency dealer or professional service like PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) or PCGS Currency.
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Research recent sales of similar bills to find out what yours might be worth.
Don’t Miss Out on a Hidden Treasure
Most people don’t think twice about the cash in their wallets. But your 2013 $100 bill could be worth far more than you think. By taking a moment to check the serial number and look for printing errors, you might find a bill worth thousands of dollars.
So before you pay for groceries or gas with that $100, check it carefully. That ordinary-looking note could turn out to be a rare collector’s item that brings you a small fortune.