Are Your Dollar Bills Worth Money?

Few people pay attention to the dollar bill these days. In earlier times, a single dollar could buy a full meal at fast-food restaurants, four arcade game plays, or almost anything at the dollar store.

Nowadays, floating exchange rates and inflation have rendered the dollar bill an afterthought. While the Federal Reserve indicates that 14.5 billion one-dollar bills are in circulation, they usually lie dormant in the back of wallets.

However, there might be a reason to take a closer look at the simplest form of paper money in your pocket. Millions of dollar bills might be worth far more than a dollar to the right collector, and one of those bills might be in your possession right now. So, let’s explore which of your dollar bills might be worthy of your attention.

Identifying Valuable Dollar Bills

In general, the reason a dollar bill might be worth more than its face value boils down to its serial number. Dollar bills are essentially identical and have maintained the same design since 1963. Thus, opportunities to find rare dollar bills are fewer compared to rare or unusual coins.

Instead, valuable dollar bills often feature particular and unusual serial numbers. There are several ways a dollar bill’s eight-digit serial number might stand out. Some examples include:

• Low numbers: A bill with a serial number below 1000.
• High numbers: A bill with a serial number approaching 99999999—the last 100 or so.
• Repeating numbers: A bill with a sequence of numbers that repeats in pairs, triplets, or quadruplets.
• Solid numbers: A bill where all or almost all the numbers are the same.
• Consecutive numbers: A pair of bills with sequential serial numbers.
• Doubles: A bill featuring pairs of the same number, similar to a hand of cards.

These are just a few of the special combinations you can find. If you notice a serial number that forms a pattern, you might be able to sell the bill for more than its face value.

What Is the Most Valuable One-Dollar Bill?

According to auction results, the most valuable one-dollar bill is an 1874 $1 United States Note. It sold in March 2024 for $26,400 through Stack’s Bowers Galleries.

This bill stands out not only for its rarity but also for its condition. Very few similar bills are so well-preserved. Its black ink remains unmarred and crisp, and its red overprints are still a deep red rather than the faded pinkish tone often seen on similar notes.

Of particular note is the intricate red floral frame around the word “ONE.” According to Stack’s Bowers, even other uncirculated versions of this bill rarely display the frame’s detail so clearly.

Finding another bill like this is nearly impossible. However, there are some valuable dollar bills that are both more plentiful and potentially worth many multiples of their face value.

Rare Printing Error: 2014–2016 Bills

The Federal Reserve is responsible for issuing paper currency in the United States. Its existence and operation were mandated by the 1913 Federal Reserve Act.

One important element of this law pertains to our discussion. Article 16, Note 3 of the Act explicitly declares that Federal Reserve Notes (which dollar bills are) must “bear upon their faces a distinctive letter and serial number.”

Unfortunately, errors happen, and a fairly recent one has created an opportunity for savvy collectors. In 2014, the Fed issued an order to its Washington, DC branch to print a batch of one-dollar bills. Two years later, it ordered an identical batch to be printed at the Federal Reserve in Fort Worth, Texas. Due to a miscommunication, the two branches printed identical serial numbers.

The challenge for collectors is finding matching pairs of these bills. Although millions were issued, only 37 pairs have been discovered so far. Depending on the condition, these pairs can sell for at least $20,000. Mint-graded notes might fetch as much as $150,000 at auction.

To identify these bills, look for the following features:

• Series date: “Series 2013”
• Federal Reserve Seal: “B”
• Serial number: Ends with a star
• Serial number range: B00000001* – B00250000* or B03200001* – B09600000*

If you find a bill with these attributes, you’re on the right track. Organizations like Project 2013B specifically track these bills, which can help you locate a matching pair.

Types of Dollar Bills to Look Out For

In addition to fancy serial numbers, there are several categories of valuable dollar bills:

Grading System to Determine Value

The condition of a dollar bill is a primary factor in its value. To standardize this, the Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) created a 70-point grading system inspired by the Sheldon Grading Scale for coins.

• EPQ (65–70): Exceptional Paper Quality; pristine and untouched.
• Uncirculated (60–64): Unused bills with minor imperfections but no folds.
• About Uncirculated (50–58): Circulated bills with one or two folds but excellent condition.
• Fine and Below (45 or lower): Bills with significant wear, folds, or damage.

If you believe you have a bill worth grading, handle it as little as possible and have a professional appraise it.

Where to Sell Valuable Dollar Bills

The best places to sell valuable dollar bills include coin shops, currency collectors, and trusted online platforms. Before selling, get your bills appraised by an unbiased professional to ensure a fair valuation.

Articles of interest: 

• Is there a $1000 bill?
• Who is on the $100 bill?

Conclusion

Most dollar bills are only worth their face value—whatever that amounts to these days. However, some stand out due to their serial numbers or unique characteristics.

Inspect your bills for noticeable patterns, keep them safe, and consider getting an appraisal if you find something intriguing. With millions of bills in circulation, there’s always a chance that a hidden gem is waiting in your wallet.