`A Hidden Treasure in Your Wallet
You might have a $100 bill in your pocket that’s worth way more than its face value. The 2013 $100 bill looks like regular money, but some have special features that make them super valuable to collectors. These bills can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars. With a little know-how, you can spot these rare notes and maybe turn your cash into a small fortune. Let’s dive into what makes these bills special and how to check if you’ve got a winner.
What Makes the 2013 $100 Bill Special
The 2013 $100 bill was part of a big redesign by the U.S. Treasury. It has cool security features like a blue 3D ribbon and a bell that changes color in the inkwell. These were added to stop fake money, but some bills came out with mistakes during printing. These errors, like smudged ink or misaligned ribbons, make certain bills rare. Also, some bills have unique serial numbers that collectors love. These special traits can turn an ordinary $100 bill into a collector’s dream.
How to Spot a Valuable Bill
To find out if your 2013 $100 bill is rare, check a few key things. First, look at the serial number, which is the green number on the right side of the bill. Collectors look for patterns like these:
- Repeater numbers: A pattern like 12121212.
- Radar numbers: Numbers that read the same forward and backward, like 12344321.
- Low numbers: Numbers like 00000001 to 00000100.
- Solid numbers: All the same digit, like 77777777.
- Star notes: A star (*) at the end of the serial number, showing it replaced a damaged bill.
Also, check for printing errors like ink smudges or misaligned security features. Use a magnifying glass to spot small details. Bills in crisp, uncirculated condition are worth more.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Star Note | Has a star (*) at the end of the serial number |
| Low Serial | Numbers from 00000001 to 00000100 |
The Big Error That Boosts Value
One famous mistake happened in 2014 and 2016 when two printing plants made $100 bills with the same serial numbers. This is called a duplicated serial number error. Normally, every bill has a unique serial number, but this mix-up created rare pairs. If you have a bill with a serial number starting with B or L and a star, it might be part of this error. These bills, especially matching pairs, can sell for $1500 to $15000 or 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 Bill
If you think you’ve got a rare 2013 $100 bill, don’t spend it. Keep it flat in a protective sleeve to avoid 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 trustworthy. Some collectors have found these bills in everyday places like change from a store or an old envelope, and they’ve sold them for thousands.
Start Your Treasure Hunt Today
Next time you get a 2013 $100 bill, take a moment to check it. Look for a star in the serial number, unusual patterns, or printing mistakes. You could be holding a piece of history that’s worth way more than $100. With a bit of attention, you might find a rare bill that turns your spare cash into a big payday. So grab your wallet, check your bills, and join the hunt for these hidden treasures.