Some 2013 $100 bills could be worth far more than their face value. While most people use them without a second glance, certain printing errors and serial number patterns have turned a few into collector gold. Before spending your crisp $100 note, it’s worth checking for signs that it could be worth hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.
Let’s break down what to look for and why some of these bills are causing a stir in the world of currency collectors.
Why the 2013 Series Is So Special
The 2013 series of the $100 bill was part of a significant redesign by the U.S. Treasury. It introduced advanced security features like a 3D blue security ribbon, color-shifting ink, and a large gold “100” on the back. These changes were intended to prevent counterfeiting—but they also created conditions for some notable errors.
Due to the complexity of the printing process, certain mistakes slipped through. And those rare mistakes are what collectors are now hunting.
The Misprint That Could Be Worth a Fortune
A particular batch of 2013 $100 bills printed in Fort Worth, Texas, reportedly contains a rare misprint. In 2014 and again in 2016, two different printing facilities printed identical serial numbers on different batches of $100 bills—a major mistake.
This type of duplication error is known as a “duplicated serial number” error. Currency experts believe that only a limited number of these pairs exist, making them extremely rare and valuable if you can find both notes with matching serial numbers.
Reports suggest that collectors are offering thousands of dollars for matching pairs. Even a single note with the known error serial range could fetch hundreds.
How to Identify the Rare Versions
Here’s what you should check on your 2013 $100 bill:
- Series Year: Ensure it says Series 2013 just below the portrait of Benjamin Franklin.
- Federal Reserve Indicators: The error notes were printed for the New York Federal Reserve Bank, so look for a bill with the letter “B” in the Federal Reserve seal.
- Serial Number Ranges: Known duplicated serial numbers fall within the following range:
- B00000001 – B00250000
- B03200001 – B09600000
- Printing Location: The small letter to the left of the face (near the portrait) can tell you where it was printed. If your note was printed in Fort Worth (FW) or Washington, D.C., it may be part of the duplicated run.
What Makes These Bills Valuable?
Value depends on several factors:
- Condition: Bills in uncirculated or “crisp” condition fetch the highest prices.
- Serial Number: Fancy serial numbers (like 00000001 or palindromes) increase desirability.
- Existence of Pair: A single error note is valuable, but a matched pair of duplicated serial numbers can command thousands of dollars.
Collectors are especially eager to find matching notes, so even if you only have one, it might be worth selling to someone who’s hunting the other.
Where to Sell or Get Your Bill Appraised
If you suspect you have a rare 2013 $100 bill:
- Visit online currency forums like Collectors Universe or Paper Money Forum
- Use auction platforms like eBay or Heritage Auctions (but research pricing first)
- Contact a certified currency dealer through the American Numismatic Association (ANA)
Avoid local pawn shops unless you know their expertise in rare currency. Always check multiple sources for fair valuation.
Also, read: Binary Serial Number 1976 $2 Bills From Bicentennial Era Are Skyrocketing in Value — Check If You Have One
Final Thoughts
That $100 bill in your wallet could be worth far more than you think. With just a few minutes of careful inspection, you might discover a rare collector’s item hiding in plain sight.
So before you break that bill at the store, take a closer look—you could be holding a $1,000 find.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Valuations fluctuate based on market demand and expert opinion. Always consult a certified appraiser for an accurate assessment.
