Many people carry around $100 bills without a second thought, but some from 2013 could be worth a lot more than their face value. Collectors are going crazy over certain versions of these notes because of rare features and old printing mistakes. If you got change or pulled cash from an ATM back then, you might have a hidden gem. These bills look just like regular money with Ben Franklin on the front, but small details can turn them into big paydays. Prices have shot up in recent years as more folks learn about them through online auctions and coin shows.
What Makes These Bills So Special?
The main draw is something called star notes. These are replacement bills printed when regular ones get damaged during production. You can spot them by a tiny star at the end of the serial number. In 2013, the government rolled out a new design for the $100 bill with fancy security features like a blue ribbon that shifts when you tilt it. But not all star notes are equal. Some from that year came from short print runs, making them harder to find. Collectors love them for their scarcity, and even a basic one in good shape can sell for $125 or more. Add in cool serial numbers like low digits or patterns, and the value climbs fast.
The Big Printing Mix-Up of 2013
Back in 2013, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing had a major slip-up. They accidentally printed about 6.4 million star notes with the same serial numbers twice. This happened with bills from the New York and San Francisco districts. Normally, every bill gets a unique number, but these duplicates broke the rules. Most got caught and destroyed, but some slipped into circulation. Today, finding one from those batches is like hitting the lottery for collectors. A single note might go for $500 to $1,000, but if someone pairs it with its matching duplicate from the other district, the set can fetch $20,000 or higher. One famous pair even sold for over $450,000 at auction last year.
How to Spot a Winner in Your Stack
Checking your 2013 $100 bills is easy and takes just a minute. First, look for the series year printed on the front – it should say 2013. Then, scan the serial number in green ink on both sides. If it ends with a star, you’re on the right track. Pay extra attention to notes starting with B or L, as those are from the error-prone districts. Specific ranges like B00000001* to B03200000* or L00000001* to L03200000* are the hot ones. Also, watch for fancy patterns, such as ladder numbers like 1234567890 or repeats like 1111111111. Keep the bill crisp and clean, since wear and tear drops the price. If it’s folded or dirty, it might still be worth something, but not as much.
| Serial Range | District | Estimated Value (Uncirculated) |
|---|---|---|
| B00000001* – B03200000* | New York | $500 – $15,000 |
| L00000001* – L03200000* | San Francisco | $500 – $10,000 |
Real Stories of Cashing In Big
People are finding these treasures in all sorts of places, from grandma’s old purse to garage sale hauls. One guy in Texas discovered a star note in his birthday money and sold it for $2,500 online. Another collector in California tracked down a duplicate pair after years of hunting and flipped it for $25,000. Sites like eBay and heritage auctions are full of listings where these bills go for hundreds or thousands. Even regular folks without fancy connections are getting in on the action by posting photos and getting offers. It’s proof that anyone could stumble onto a windfall with a little luck and sharp eyes.
What Should You Do Next?
If you think you have a keeper, don’t spend it right away. Store it flat in a plastic sleeve to protect it from damage. Get it checked by a pro grading service like PCGS or PMG – they rate the condition and slap on a label that boosts the selling price. Then, list it on auction sites or take it to a coin dealer for a fair offer. Remember, not every 2013 $100 is a winner, but checking won’t cost you a dime. Who knows? That bill sitting in your drawer could pay for a vacation or more. Keep an eye out, and you might join the ranks of happy collectors turning paper into serious cash.