On October 8, 2013, a new $100 bills was introduced to the public. While many people see it as just another bill, a dedicated group of collectors view it as a gold mine. The excitement surrounding this new bill comes mainly from its unique serial numbers. Collectors believe that certain bills could be worth a lot more than their face value. Let’s dive into why these new $100 bills are creating such a buzz and what makes them so special.
The New $100 Bill Design
The new $100 bills features a vibrant design with enhanced security features. It includes:
- Colorful Holographic Strips: This anti-theft feature makes it harder to counterfeit the bill.
- Color-Changing Ink: The ink changes color when you tilt the bill, adding another layer of security.
- Unique Design Elements: This is the biggest redesign of the $100 bill since it was last changed in 1996. Collectors call the previous version the “big head” bill.
These features make the new bills eye-catching and harder to forge, which is appealing to both everyday users and collectors alike.
The Allure of Serial Numbers
One of the most exciting aspects of the new $100 bills is their serial numbers. Each bill has a serial number, and when a new series is released, those numbers start again at one. This means that the very first bill printed will have the serial number “00000001.”
Collector’s Value
Certain serial numbers are incredibly valuable to collectors:
- Low Serial Numbers: The first few bills with serial numbers like “00000001” can sell for between $10,000 and $20,000 in mint condition.
- Solid Numbers: Bills with eight of the same digit are also popular and can sell for around $3,000.
- Fancy Numbers: Combinations like “radars” (where the first four numbers match the last four) and “ladders” (where numbers increase sequentially) are considered unique and desirable by collectors.
Expert Insights
Frederick Bart, a dealer of rare currency, notes that early demand for these low-number bills will drive their prices higher. The initial numbers on the new bills are expected to fetch between $7,500 to $10,000, or even more as time goes on. This collector frenzy mirrors the last redesign of the $100 bill in the 1990s, where the first serial number sold for over $10,000.
The Collector Community
There is a small but passionate community of collectors who are ready to pay top dollar for these new bills. Jason W. Bradford, a seasoned collector, has been interested in rare bills since he was just eight years old. He emphasizes his love for low serial numbers, claiming that he has several dealers looking for the new $100 bills for him.
He’s willing to spend significant amounts of money to acquire unique pieces, even mentioning that he has paid more for a single bill than he did for his first house.
Collecting History
Donn Pearlman, a spokesperson for the Professional Numismatists Guild, also highlights the unique stories that every piece of paper money holds. For example, he shares that one of his most valuable bills, printed during the Civil War, was worth only 50 cents face value but sold for about $250 because of its rarity.
Pearlman aims to collect one of each new $100 bills from all 12 Federal Reserve banks, even if it means paying 50% to 60% more than the bill’s face value. He believes that by collecting these bills, one can learn about the history of the United States through its currency.
Conclusion
The new $100 bills isn’t just a piece of currency; it represents a treasure for collectors eager to find unique serial numbers. With its redesigned features and collectible value, it’s expected to create excitement among those in the currency collecting community. As collectors like Jason W. Bradford and Donn Pearlman show, investing in these bills is about more than just money; it’s about the history and stories that each piece of currency tells.
For many collectors, the thrill of the hunt for low serial numbers and unique combinations makes this new $100 bills more than just a hundred bucks. It’s a chance to own a piece of history that could appreciate significantly over time. So, whether you’re a collector or just someone who loves interesting facts about money, the new $100 bills have something to offer everyone.
Table of Unique Bill Values
| Serial Number Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| First Serial Number | $10,000 – $20,000 |
| Solid Numbers | ~$3,000 |
| Fancy Numbers | Varies (often high) |
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FAQs
What makes the new $100 bills special?
The new $100 bill has a unique design with enhanced security features and new serial numbers, making it appealing to collectors.
How much can low serial number bills be worth?
Bills with low serial numbers, such as “00000001,” can sell for between $10,000 and $20,000 in mint condition.
What are “fancy” serial numbers?
“Fancy” serial numbers include patterns like radars (first four numbers match the last four) and ladders (numbers go up sequentially).
Who collects these bills?
A small community of dedicated collectors exists, many of whom are willing to pay top dollar for rare and unique bills.
Why do collectors find historical bills valuable?
Each bill has a story to tell and reflects a piece of history, making them significant beyond their face value.