Rare $100 Bill Mistake What if the $100 bill sitting in your wallet is actually worth thousands of dollars? That’s exactly what collectors across the country are buzzing about after a rare printing mistake on certain 2013 series $100 bills sent one note to auction for an astonishing $77,000.
At first glance, these bills look no different from the standard Benjamin Franklin note. But on closer inspection, a subtle misprint in the serial number known as a “stuck digit error” transforms an ordinary piece of currency into a collector’s prize.
The Printing Mistake That Changed Everything
The “stuck digit” error occurs when a number in the bill’s serial sequence is misprinted. Instead of appearing sharp and clear, a digit may look blurred, partially missing, or resemble a different number entirely. While modern printing systems usually catch mistakes, a small batch of 2013 $100 bills escaped detection and entered circulation.
Because these errors are so unusual, each flawed bill is effectively one of a kind. That uniqueness is what drives collectors to pay staggering amounts for them.
How to Tell If You Have One
If you’re curious whether your $100 bill might be hiding extra value, here’s what to check:
- Series Date: Look for the year 2013 printed on the face of the bill.
- Serial Number: Inspect the green numbers in the top right and bottom left corners. Any digit that appears smudged, incomplete, or distorted could signal the error.
- Other Details: Some notes may also have faint or doubled reserve bank letters, another indicator of a misprint.
Anyone who suspects they’ve found an error note should take it to a currency grading service for verification. Condition matters too uncirculated bills in pristine shape can fetch the highest prices.
Why Collectors Pay So Much
The excitement comes down to two things: rarity and demand. Very few of these “stuck digit” bills are known to exist, and the more limited the supply, the higher collectors are willing to bid. Add in the fact that the 2013 $100 bill features advanced security features like the blue 3D security ribbon, and you have a note that blends modern design with a historical mistake.
Other $100 Bill Errors Worth Watching For
The stuck digit misprint isn’t the only valuable error out there. Collectors also prize:
- Mismatched Serial Numbers – Where the two serial numbers don’t match. Value: $5,000–$10,000.
- Double Denomination Notes – Rare mistakes where one bill is printed over another denomination. Value: up to $50,000.
A Reason to Double-Check Your Wallet
The recent $77,000 sale has sparked a wave of interest in paper money collectors and everyday people alike. From coffee shops to grocery store tills, people are taking a closer look at the bills that pass through their hands.
So before you spend that crisp Franklin, take a careful glance at the serial number. What looks like an ordinary $100 bill could turn out to be a jackpot hiding in plain sight.