When you think of money, one bill that stands out is the $100 bill. You might call it a C-note, a Benjamin, or simply a Ben. No matter what you name it, a $100 bill is always worth at least $100. But did you know that some rare $100 bills can be worth a lot more? In fact, some of these special bills can be worth hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars! In this article, we will explore the world of rare $100 bills, their values, and what makes them so special.
100-Dollar Bill Value Chart
If you’re interested in finding rare bills, keeping a value chart handy can be helpful. Here’s a quick look at some $100 bills that collectors treasure. This information is based on sales from US Currency Auctions.
| Year | Type | Size | Seal Color | Circulated Value | Uncirculated Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1863 | United States Note | Large | Red | $12,500 – $25,000 | $35,000 and up |
| 1869 | United States Note | Large | Red | $11,500 – $25,000 | $45,000 and up |
| 1878 | Silver Certificate | Large | Red | Too rare to estimate | N/A |
| 1880 | Silver Certificate | Large | Brown | $7,000 – $25,000 | N/A |
| 1882 | Gold Certificate | Large | Brown | $3,000 – $8,000 | $15,000 and up |
| 1890 | Treasury Note | Large | Brown | $50,000 – $100,000 | N/A |
| 1891 | Silver Certificate | Large | Red | $7,000 – $15,000 | $25,000 and up |
| 1934 | Federal Reserve Note | Small | Green | $135 – $175 | $400 and up |
| 1950 | Federal Reserve Note | Small | Green | $115 – $140 | $175 and up |
| 1969 | Federal Reserve Note | Small | Green | $135 | $165 and up |
| 1977 | Federal Reserve Note | Small | Green | $130 | $150 and up |
| 1990 | Federal Reserve Note | Small | Green | $115 | $140 and up |
| 2001 | Federal Reserve Note | Small | Green | $110 | $120 and up |
| 2013 | Federal Reserve Note | Small | Green | $100 | $102 and up |
How Rare Are $100 Bills?
You might think $100 bills are rare, but they are actually the most common bills in circulation today. The Federal Reserve estimates there are around 18.5 billion $100 bills out there! Many of these are even held by banks in other countries.
However, not all $100 bills are created equal. Some bills are truly special because of their serial numbers, printing errors, signatures, and age. Also, the condition of the bill plays a big role in its value.
How Much Is a $100 Bill Worth?
Several factors determine how much a specific $100 bill is worth. Here are the key points to keep in mind:
- Older Age: Bills from before 1929 tend to be rarer and more valuable.
- Good Condition: Bills that look new, without wrinkles or rips, are worth more.
- Rare Serial Numbers: Unique patterns or low serial numbers can increase a bill’s value.
- Signatures: Bills with actual signatures are generally more valuable.
- Interesting Mistakes: Bills with printing errors are often worth more.
5 Ultra-Rare $100 Bills
You may not find these rare bills in your wallet, but knowing about them can help you identify valuable bills. Here are five ultra-rare $100 bills that collectors are always on the lookout for:
- 1863 $100 Gold Certificate: There are only three known, and two are in the Smithsonian. One sold for $2,115,000 in 2013!
- 1882 Gold Certificate: Also only three exist. This bill sold for $822,500 in 2014.
- 1878 Silver Certificate: With only four known examples, one sold for $660,000 in 2018.
- 1890 Treasury Note: Nicknamed the “watermelon note,” about 40 are known. One sold for $356,500 in 2005.
- 1863 Legal Tender: While not as rare, one of these sold for $305,500 in 2013.
Which $100 Bill Serial Numbers Are Worth the Most?
Not all serial numbers are created equal. Here are a few things to look for when checking serial numbers:
- Star Notes: If a serial number has a star, it means it’s a replacement bill, which can be valuable.
- Repeats: Serial numbers with repeating digits are popular among collectors.
- Palindromes: Numbers that read the same backward and forward can be worth more.
- Low Serial Numbers: Early serial numbers tend to be more valuable, especially if they are really low.
Check Your Bank Envelope
When you’re at the bank, take a moment to check your $100 bills. Even though they are common, some can be worth a lot of money. Knowing what to look for can help you find a treasure hidden in your wallet!
Conclusion
Rare $100 bills can be worth much more than their face value. By understanding what makes a bill rare and valuable, you can identify potential treasures. Factors like age, condition, serial numbers, signatures, and printing errors play a significant role in a bill’s worth. The world of rare currency is fascinating and full of surprises, so it’s worth taking the time to check your bills. You never know when you might find a valuable $100 bill that could help you retire early!
FAQ’s
What makes a $100 bill rare?
A $100 bill can be considered rare due to factors like its age, condition, unique serial numbers, signatures, and printing errors. Older bills and those in excellent condition tend to have higher value.
How can I tell if my $100 bill is worth more than its face value?
To determine if your $100 bill is worth more, check its age, look for rare serial numbers (like star notes or palindromes), and inspect its condition. Bills that are crisp and uncirculated generally have higher value.
Where can I find a value chart for rare $100 bills?
You can find value charts for rare $100 bills online, particularly on currency auction sites or collector forums. These charts list prices based on past auction sales and can help you gauge the value of your bills.