In the world of currency collecting, rare bills often hide in plain sight — sometimes even in your own wallet. Among the bills quietly making waves in the collectors’ market is the 2013 series $100 bill, which, while appearing ordinary to most, could fetch thousands of dollars depending on certain rare features.
Before you rush to spend that $100, here’s what you need to know to check if yours might be one of the high-value versions sought after by collectors.
What Makes a 2013 $100 Bill Valuable?
The standard 2013 $100 bill, redesigned with added security features like a 3D blue security ribbon and color-shifting ink, is still circulating widely. But only a small fraction of these notes come with error prints, unique serial numbers, or rare printing combinations that elevate their value dramatically in the collectors’ market.
Some of the most valuable ones include:
- Misaligned Seals or Serial Numbers
- Ink Smears or Printing Smudges
- Duplicate Serial Numbers
- Low Serial Numbers (like 00000001 to 00000100)
- Star Notes with Unique Series Traits
The Star Note Factor
One of the most important details to look for is whether your 2013 $100 bill is a star note. These are replacement notes printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) to replace defective ones. A star symbol (*) appears at the end of the serial number in place of a letter.
While star notes are not inherently rare, certain runs and print locations make some of them highly collectible. For instance, star notes printed in very limited quantities — say, fewer than 640,000 — from locations like Fort Worth or Washington, D.C., can carry serious premiums.
Serial Numbers That Collectors Chase
Serial numbers tell a silent story. Collectors often pay a premium for notes with the following:
- Solid Numbers: Example –
11111111 - Ladders: Example –
12345678or87654321 - Repeaters: Example –
45454545 - Palindromes: Example –
12344321 - Low Numbers: Any serial beginning with multiple zeros like
00000047
If your 2013 $100 bill has one of these patterns, hold on to it — or get it professionally appraised before spending.
Rare Errors That Increase Value
The U.S. Treasury’s printing process is not always flawless. Certain 2013 series $100 bills have been spotted with errors, including:
- Shifted or Overlapping Print Layers
- Missing Security Features
- Incorrect Serial Number Pairs (e.g., mismatched front and back)
A notable example includes a 2013 $100 bill with a misaligned blue security ribbon and smeared ink, which sold for over $1,500 at auction.
Where and How to Get It Verified
If you suspect your $100 bill may be valuable, do not take it to a bank, as they are not equipped to evaluate collector worth. Instead:
- Use sites like MyCurrencyCollection or PaperMoneyGuide to cross-reference serial numbers.
- Submit it to professional grading companies like PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) or PCGS Currency.
- Visit currency forums or online auction listings to compare value trends.
Should You Spend It?
In most cases, a standard 2013 $100 bill is just worth its face value. But a rare version with a notable serial number or error could fetch hundreds to even thousands of dollars. Spending it without checking could mean losing out on a potentially life-changing discovery.
Also Read:- Peace Dollar Once Used as a Paperweight Now Valued at Over $300,000
Final Thoughts
With inflation rising and wallets constantly changing, it’s easy to overlook a single bill. But as many collectors and lucky spenders have found out — rare currency often hides in plain sight. So next time you’re handed a crisp $100, take a closer look at the fine details.
That simple glance might just uncover a collector’s treasure hiding in your everyday cash.
