Rare 2013 $100 Bills: If you’ve ever tucked away a crisp $100 bill and forgotten about it, now might be the time to dig it out. Some 2013 series $100 bills the ones with Benjamin Franklin on the front and blue security ribbon are turning out to be worth far more than face value. Thanks to rare printing errors and unique serial numbers, certain notes from this year are being snapped up by collectors for hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Whether you’re a beginner or just curious about collectible currency, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about these hidden treasures.
Why the 2013 $100 Bill Is So Special
Most of the time, U.S. currency is printed with near-perfect consistency. But in 2013, something unusual happened. A printing error at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) created a batch of flawed $100 bills and they were released into circulation twice, from two different facilities, leading to mismatched serial numbers.
Here’s why that matters:
- Printing Mistake: Two separate batches of 2013 $100 bills were printed with overlapping serial numbers a massive mistake.
- Scarcity: Only a small portion of these “duplicate serial number” notes are believed to be in the wild.
- Collector Demand: Because of the rarity and official mistake, collectors are paying a premium to find matching pairs of these notes.
How to Identify a Rare 2013 $100 Bill
Not every 2013 $100 bill is valuable, but here’s what to look for:
Key Features of the Rare Bills
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Series Year | 2013 (printed under the Secretary’s name) |
| Serial Numbers | Beginning with “B” |
| Federal Reserve Bank | New York (Letter B) |
| Serial Number Range | B00000001★ to B00250000★ (First Run) |
| Plate Position | Face Plate Number 295 or 296 |
| Printing Facilities | Fort Worth, TX (FW) and Washington, DC |
Pro Tip: If you have a 2013 $100 bill with a serial number starting with “B” and ending with a ★ (star note), do not spend it until you verify its details.
What Makes These Bills Valuable?
There are two main types of 2013 $100 bills that collectors are hunting for:
1. Duplicate Serial Number Errors
- The most famous error involves duplicate serial numbers printed at two different BEP locations.
- If someone can find both notes in a matching pair (same serial number, different facility), collectors may pay $2,000 to $4,000 or more for the set.
2. Star Notes
- Star notes are replacement bills for ones damaged in production.
- A star symbol (*) appears at the end of the serial number.
- Some 2013 B-series star notes are incredibly scarce, and individual examples have sold for $500–$1,500, depending on condition.
What About Condition? (It Matters a Lot)
Just like coins, paper money value heavily depends on condition. Collectors grade notes based on how worn or pristine they are.
Condition vs. Value: A Quick Reference
| Grade | Description | Potential Value (Star/Error Note) |
|---|---|---|
| Uncirculated | Crisp, no folds or marks | $1,000 – $4,000+ |
| About Unc. | Minor handling, no creases | $500 – $2,000 |
| Fine | Some folds, minor wear | $200 – $500 |
| Good | Heavy use, creases, stains | $100 – $300 |
Tip: Store bills in protective sleeves to maintain their grade and avoid damage.
How to Check If Your 2013 $100 Bill Is Valuable
You don’t need fancy equipment just follow these simple steps:
- Look at the Series Year: Must say “Series 2013.”
- Check the Serial Number: Look for B-series numbers, ideally with a star.
- Note the Printing Facility: The Fort Worth facility will have a small “FW” next to the face plate number.
- Compare with Online Databases: Use websites like MyCurrencyCollection.com to match serial numbers from known error runs.
- Get It Graded: For rare finds, consider sending your bill to a professional grader like PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) for certification.
Real Examples That Sold Big
Collectors are already cashing in. Here are a few real-world sales:
- Duplicate Pair Sold: A matching pair of 2013 B-series notes (same serial, different facility) sold for $7,200 on Heritage Auctions.
- Single Star Note: A rare B-series star note in uncirculated condition sold for $1,380 on eBay.
- Misaligned Print Error: Another 2013 $100 bill with a visible ink shift fetched $600.
These examples prove that even one note in your wallet or drawer could be a potential jackpot.
What to Do If You Think You Have One
If your $100 bill matches any of the criteria above:
- Don’t spend it!
- Take clear photos of both sides.
- Cross-check serial number with online databases.
- Store it safely preferably in a currency sleeve.
- Consider listing it on auction sites or showing it to a local coin/currency dealer.
You can also connect with collectors on forums like:
- Collectors Universe
- Paper Money Forum
- Reddit’s r/papermoney
Final Thoughts
Your wallet might hold more than just spending cash it could be hiding a valuable piece of modern currency history. Rare 2013 $100 bills with printing errors or star designations are highly sought after, and some are worth thousands.
Whether you’re a budding collector or just someone who’s curious about rare money, it’s worth taking a moment to inspect your bills before spending them. You might just discover a hidden treasure.