Rare 2013 $100 Bills : Could the $100 bill in your wallet be worth far more than its face value? If it’s from the 2013 series, the answer might surprise you. While most $100 bills are just crisp cash, a few rare 2013 notes have become highly sought-after by collectors — and they could be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Let’s dive into why these bills are special, what to look for, and how to find out if you’re holding a hidden treasure.
What Makes the 2013 $100 Bills Valuable?
Not all 2013 $100 bills are rare, but some have specific printing errors or unusual features that make them extremely valuable to collectors. These bills are part of the redesigned “blue stripe” series, which includes advanced anti-counterfeiting features such as the 3D security ribbon and color-shifting ink. But even with modern technology, mistakes still happen — and that’s where the value lies.
One of the most famous errors in the 2013 series involves a printing mix-up between two Federal Reserve Banks: New York (B) and Atlanta (F). In 2014, some sheets of $100 bills meant for the New York Fed were mistakenly printed with serial numbers and seals intended for the Atlanta Fed — and vice versa. This printing error created a rare subset of bills known as “mismatched serial pairs.”
How Much Are These Rare Bills Worth?
If you happen to have a rare 2013 $100 note with this mismatched printing, collectors may be willing to pay $1,500 to $15,000 or more, depending on its condition and serial number range. A matching pair (one from each error batch) can fetch even more at auction.
How to Identify a Rare 2013 $100 Bill
Here’s what to check:
-
Series Year: Look for “Series 2013” on the lower right front of the bill.
-
Federal Reserve Indicators: The letter in the black seal to the left of Benjamin Franklin’s portrait should match the first letter of the serial number.
-
New York = B
-
Atlanta = F
-
-
Mismatched Errors: If you find a bill where the Federal Reserve Bank letter and the serial number don’t match properly, it might be part of the rare batch.
-
Serial Numbers: Known error serial number ranges are:
-
B00000001 to B00250000
-
B03200001 to B09600000
-
Only a limited number of these error notes were ever released into circulation, and fewer still have been found.
Tips for Collectors and Casual Finders
-
Condition Matters: Bills in uncirculated or crisp condition are worth more.
-
Don’t Fold or Mark: Keep the bill flat and protected in a currency sleeve if you suspect it might be rare.
-
Authentication: For high-value bills, consider professional grading and authentication services such as PMG (Paper Money Guaranty).
-
Pair It Up: If you find a single error bill, try to locate its “mismatched twin” — collectors pay a premium for matched sets.
Where to Sell Rare 2013 $100 Bills
If you think you’ve found one, you can:
- List it on auction sites like eBay, Heritage Auctions, or Stack’s Bowers.
- Visit local coin and currency dealers.
- Share it with online collector communities for help verifying it.
The Bottom Line
Most of us think of $100 bills as just money — but for a lucky few, a 2013 note might be a jackpot in disguise. With the right error and condition, your bill could be worth far more than its face value. So before you spend that Franklin, take a closer look — you might just be holding a piece of modern numismatic history.
FAQs: Rare 2013 $100 Bills Worth Big Money
Q1: What makes the 2013 $100 bills rare or valuable?
A: Some 2013 $100 bills are valuable due to printing errors — specifically, a mistake involving mismatched serial numbers and Federal Reserve indicators between the New York (B) and Atlanta (F) banks. These notes are extremely rare and collectible.
Q2: How much can a rare 2013 $100 bill be worth?
A: Depending on its condition and rarity, a misprinted 2013 $100 bill can sell for anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000 or more, especially if it’s part of a matched pair from the error batches.
Q3: How do I know if my 2013 $100 bill is part of the rare misprint?
A: Check the following:
-
It must say “Series 2013”.
-
Look at the Federal Reserve seal (to the left of Franklin’s portrait) — it should be either “B” (New York) or “F” (Atlanta).
-
The first letter of the serial number should match the seal — if it doesn’t, it could be an error note.
-
Known rare serial number ranges are:
-
B00000001 to B00250000
-
B03200001 to B09600000
-
Q4: What is a “matched pair” of rare 2013 $100 bills?
A: A matched pair consists of two identical serial numbers — one printed with the New York Fed’s designation and the other with Atlanta’s — due to the printing error. These pairs are especially valuable to collectors.
Q5: What is the best way to handle and preserve a rare $100 bill?
A: If you believe you have a rare bill:
- Do not fold, mark, or clean it.
- Place it in a protective currency sleeve.
- Keep it out of sunlight and moisture.
- Consider having it professionally graded by a service like PMG (Paper Money Guaranty).