Rare 2013 $100 Notes: The year 2013 has become synonymous with a remarkable find in the world of currency collecting. What collectors are calling the “2013 Jackpot” is not about any one bill denomination, but rather a series of extraordinary discoveries involving several 2013-series bills that have astonished the numismatist community.
In 2014, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing took an unusual step that led to the accidental creation of two separate batches of $1 notes with identical serial numbers, which many consider a coin collecting opportunity.
This printing error, along with several other rare features found in 2013-series currency, has created a modern treasure hunt where ordinary-looking notes can be worth thousands or even millions of dollars.
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Understanding The 2013 Currency Phenomenon
The Great Printing Error Discovery
The story begins with an unprecedented mistake at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. One batch was printed in Washington, D.C., and the other in Fort Worth, Texas. Both runs were part of the 2013 series and were issued to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. In total, 6.4 million duplicate $1 bills were printed.
This error created a unique collecting opportunity: matching pairs of bills with the same serial number from different printing facilities. What makes this discovery especially exciting is that these bills have been in circulation for over a decade, meaning they could be in anyone’s wallet right now.
Why the 2013 Series Bills Are Special
Beyond the famous printing error, 2013-series currency has additional significance:
The 2013 series represents a transitional period in U.S. currency design, particularly for the $100 bill, which received major security upgrades. The timing of the various design changes and printing modifications has created numerous collecting opportunities within this single series year.
Types of Valuable Collectible Bills of 2013
Million-Dollar $1 Bill Pairs
The crown jewel of 2013 currency collecting belongs to matching pairs of $1 bills. A matching pair can be worth between $20,000 and $150,000, depending on condition. To identify these valuable bills, collectors should pay attention to the following:
Key identifying features:
- Series date “Series 2013”
- “B” Federal Reserve seal
- Serial numbers ending in a star (★)
- Serial numbers between B00000001★ – B00250000★ or B03200001★ – B09600000★
The challenge is in finding a matching pair. To date, only nine pairs with matching serial numbers have been found, which means there are millions of pairs still in circulation.
Valuable 2013 $100 Bills
Star Notes and Rare Serials
Some examples of rare 2013 $100 bills have sold for anywhere from $2,000 to $15,000, depending on their rarity, condition, and demand. The 2013 $100 bill series is particularly notable because it features the modern Blue Ribbon security design.
Things that make 2013 $100 bills valuable:
- Star notes (replacement bills marked with ★)
- Fancy serial numbers (repeaters, radars, low numbers)
- Printing errors or misalignments
- Exceptional condition grades
Keep an eye on serial number patterns
Repeater serial numbers: These have a repeating pattern, such as 29292929 or 12341234. Radar notes: Read the same way forward and backward, such as 12344321 or 80000008. Also, solid numbers such as 11111111 or 99999999 command premium prices.
Other 2013 Series Collectibles
The 2013 Series includes notes other than the $1 and $100 notes. The 2013 Series $1 Star Note from the San Francisco Federal Reserve District (“F”) is the most recent of the top five most valuable Star Notes currently being collected.
How to Identify Collectible 2013 Bills
Step-by-Step Identification Process
First, check the series date: Each bill has its series year prominently displayed. Look for “Series 2013” printed on the currency.
Check the serial number: This is where the real pricing begins. Serial numbers are eight-digit long codes that are unique to each bill. See:
- Stars at the end (★)
- Repeating patterns
- Very low numbers (less than 1000)
- Very high numbers (99999900+)
- Palindromic sequences
Check the Federal Reserve Seal: The Federal Reserve seal letter indicates where the bill was printed, which is important for valuable $1 bill pairs.
Assess the condition: Collectors look for bills in exceptional condition, as this dramatically affects the value.
Advanced Identification Techniques
Research serial numbers online: Many collectors keep databases of known valuable serial numbers. Cross-referencing your bill’s number can reveal its potential value.
Keep an eye out for printing anomalies: Misplaced prints, missing elements or double strikes can significantly increase a bill’s value.
Consider professional grading: Consider having it professionally graded by a currency grading service such as PCGS or PMG. Certified grades can help significantly increase the selling price.
Current Market Values and Trends
Record Sales and Market Performance
The market for collectible currency has shown remarkable strength in 2013. Online marketplaces such as eBay and currency collector forums have seen confirmed matched sets sell for $4,500 or more, depending on condition and serial number.
Individual bills from flawed batches have also performed well. Even individual bills from this batch – if verified – could sell for hundreds.
Market Outlook
Currency experts say the window of opportunity is closing fast. As more bills are damaged or destroyed due to daily use, the chances of finding a clean match are diminishing. This scarcity factor suggests continued price increases for verified collectible pieces.
Where and How to Sell Collectible 2013 Bills
Get a professional appraisal first
Before selling, obtain professional authentication and grading. This step is critical to maximizing value and ensuring buyer confidence.
Selling Venues
Online Marketplaces: eBay and specialty currency auction sites have proven successful for verified collectible bills.
Currency Dealers: Established dealers provide expertise and often have a network of serious collectors.
Auction Houses: For the highest value pieces, major auction houses can provide maximum exposure to serious collectors.
Coin Shows: These events provide face-to-face opportunities with collectors and dealers.
Preservation and Storage
Proper storage is essential to maintaining value. Use acid-free holders, avoid folding or handling, and store under stable temperature and humidity conditions. Professional grading services provide protective holders that also verify authenticity and condition.
Quick Reference Value Table
| Bill Type | Series | Key Features | Estimated Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| $1 Matched Pairs | 2013 | Identical serials, different facilities | $20,000 – $150,000 |
| $1 Individual Error Bills | 2013 | From error batch, unmatched | $200 – $1,000 |
| $100 Star Notes | 2013 | Star symbol, fancy serials | $200 – $15,000 |
| $100 Low Serial | 2013 | Numbers under 100 | $300 – $5,000 |
| $100 Radar Notes | 2013 | Palindromic serials | $500 – $8,000 |
| $1 Star Notes | 2013 | Various districts | $50 – $500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I tell if my 2013 bill is from a flawed batch?
A: Check for serial numbers ending with “Series 2013”, the “B” Federal Reserve seal, and a star among the specified ranges: B00000001★–B00250000★ or B03200001★–B09600000★.
Q: Are 2013 $100 bills still being found in circulation?
Yes, many valuable 2013 $100 bills with rare serial numbers and star notes continue to surface in everyday transactions, although the window is getting shorter as the bills get older.
Q: Should I sell immediately or keep collectible 2013 bills?
Market experts suggest that values may continue to rise due to increasing scarcity, but individual circumstances vary – consider professional advice for high-value pieces.
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