If you’ve ever dismissed your $1 bills as mere pocket change, think again. A rare printing error on certain 2013 Series $1 bills has collectors in North America willing to pay as much as $150,000 for these unique notes. With millions of these error bills still potentially in circulation, now is the time to check your wallet for a potential jackpot.
What Makes These $1 Bills So Valuable?
This Article Includes
In an unusual oversight by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, a batch of $1 bills with duplicate serial numbers was printed in 2014 at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The mistake occurred again in 2016 at the Washington, D.C., facility. These identical runs created two sets of bills with matching serial numbers—a printing error that makes them exceptionally rare and valuable to collectors.
This type of duplication isn’t just a fascinating flaw; it represents a historical anomaly in the usually precise world of currency printing. With approximately 6.4 million notes affected, these bills are now the focus of intense interest among currency enthusiasts.
How Many Are Still in Circulation?
Despite the large number of duplicate bills originally printed, only nine matching pairs have been discovered so far. This means millions of these unique $1 bills are still potentially out there. They could be tucked away in wallets, cash registers, or even forgotten piggy banks across the world.
Matching pairs of these notes are particularly sought after, with their value depending on their condition. A pristine pair can fetch between $20,000 and $150,000, making the hunt for these bills a highly lucrative endeavor.
How to Identify a Rare 2013 Series $1 Bill
If you’re eager to find out whether you own one of these valuable bills, you’ll need to look for these specific features:
- The Federal Reserve Bank Stamp: Look for the large “B” stamp, indicating it was issued by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. This stamp is located on the left-hand side of the note.
- Star in the Serial Number: The green serial number beneath the Federal Reserve Bank stamp must end with a five-pointed star (★).
- Specific Serial Number Ranges: The eligible serial numbers fall within these ranges:
B00000001★ to B00250000★
B03200001★ to B09600000★
How Collectors Are Finding Matching Pairs
The challenge of finding a matching pair of duplicate notes has spurred collaboration among collectors. Ed Zegers and Karol Winograd, two avid currency enthusiasts, launched the Zegers/Winograd Project (Project 2013B). This initiative compiles serial numbers submitted by collectors, helping match the elusive pairs.
If you have one of these bills, checking the project’s database could connect you to someone who holds its duplicate—and potentially a windfall payout.
Time to Check Your Wallet
With millions of these rare $1 bills still in circulation, you could be sitting on a small fortune without even knowing it. Take a close look at your cash, and don’t overlook those small details that could make a big difference. Who knows? That overlooked dollar bill in your wallet might just be worth a life-changing sum.