Before you spend that crisp $100 bill in your wallet, take a closer look it might be more valuable than you think. Thanks to a rare misprint known as an inverted watermark error, a handful of 2009 series $100 bills are turning up with price tags in the $25,000 range.
Yes, you read that right. A simple error missed by the printers at the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing could mean the cash in your hand is secretly a collector’s dream. Here’s everything you need to know to spot this rare bill — and what to do if you’re lucky enough to find one.
What Exactly Is an Inverted Watermark?
Every modern $100 bill includes security features to prevent counterfeiting and one of the most common is the watermark of Benjamin Franklin’s face, visible when you hold the bill up to light.
But on some 2009 $100 bills, this watermark was printed upside down. That means when you compare the front of the bill to the watermark, Franklin’s face doesn’t match it’s flipped. This printing flaw is known as an inverted watermark, and because it slipped through quality control, it’s extremely rare.
These kinds of errors are highly sought after in the world of currency collectors, especially when found on larger denominations like $100 bills.
How to Check If You Have the Rare $100 Error Note
Not sure what to look for? Don’t worry checking your bills is easy once you know the signs.
Use this simple checklist to see if your $100 bill might be worth a fortune:
| Feature | Details to Look For |
|---|---|
| Series Year | Must be 2009 (printed near Franklin’s shoulder) |
| Watermark | Franklin’s face should be visible in light |
| Error | Watermark is upside down |
| Location | Watermark is on the right side of the bill |
| Condition | Crisp, clean, no major folds or damage |
Pro Tip: The better the condition of the bill, the higher its value. Even the right error on a torn or dirty bill may lose thousands in potential resale.
Why Are These Error Bills Worth So Much?
Collectors love rarity and printing mistakes on high-value bills are very rare. Most large denominations go through strict quality checks, so the fact that these inverted watermark bills made it into circulation is surprising.
One of these rare error notes was sold at auction in early 2024 for $25,000 simply because the mistake was clear, the note was in excellent shape, and collectors were willing to pay a premium for a known rarity.
Here’s a quick look at recent sales of similar error bills:
| Year Sold | Sale Price | Error Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $25,000 | Inverted Watermark |
| 2023 | $18,000 | Misaligned Printing |
| 2022 | $12,500 | Missing Security Thread |
As you can see, even other types of errors can command thousands but the inverted watermark error on the 2009 $100 bill is among the most valuable.
What to Do If You Think You’ve Found One
If you think your $100 bill might be the real deal, don’t spend it not even for gas or groceries. Follow these steps to protect its value and get it authenticated:
- Handle with care – Use clean hands or gloves. Avoid folding or damaging it.
- Use a bill sleeve – Store the bill in a protective plastic sleeve or holder.
- Get it graded – Contact a professional grading service like PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) or PCGS Currency to authenticate and grade the note.
- Explore your options – Once verified, you can list the note at auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers, or sell directly to a trusted currency dealer.
Even if it’s not worth the full $25,000, bills in good condition with a verified error can still sell for $5,000–$15,000 or more.
Why You Should Always Check Your Cash
It’s easy to think of paper money as just a tool for spending. But sometimes, those same bills hold hidden secrets that can change your life.
From rare coins in pocket change to error bills like these, numismatic treasures often hide in plain sight. Whether you’re at the store, the bank, or cleaning out an old wallet, take a moment to examine your $100 bills especially the ones dated 2009.
You never know. That ordinary-looking bill could help pay for your next car, vacation, or even a small home improvement project.
Final Thoughts
The 2009 inverted watermark $100 bill is more than just a cool error it’s a reminder that value can be found in unexpected places. For beginner collectors and curious cash carriers alike, it’s worth giving your money a second look.
So next time you break a $100, hold it to the light and check for that upside-down Franklin. It might just be your lucky day.