Rare 2013 $100 Bills: Imagine opening your wallet and finding a $100 bill that could actually be worth thousands – or even half a million dollars. That is the reality for some lucky people who own special 2013 $100 bills.
While most of these notes look like ordinary currency with Benjamin Franklin’s face, certain printing mistakes have turned them into rare collectibles.
Auction houses and collectors have already paid hundreds of thousands of dollars for these bills, making them one of the most exciting finds in modern paper money.
What Makes the 2013 $100 Bill Special?
Not every 2013 $100 Bills note is valuable. The key lies in printing errors and special markings. The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing made a rare mistake in 2013 that created a batch of duplicate serial numbers on star notes.
These are replacement bills that carry a small star symbol in their serial number.
Some of these duplicate star notes are worth anywhere from $500 to $500,000, depending on condition and rarity.
The Star Note Surprise
Star notes are already uncommon, but in 2013, the mistake made them even rarer. Duplicate star notes from the New York (B series) and San Francisco (L series) districts have become incredibly valuable.
In fact, in 2024, one of these rare notes sold for $456,000 at auction.
Value of 2013 $100 Bills
| Note Type | Key Feature | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Star Note (L Series) | Star in serial, low print run | $1,000 – $500,000 |
| Standard Note | No star, common issue | $100 |
The Duplicate Serial Number Error
Every bill should have a unique serial number, like a fingerprint. But in 2013, around 6.4 million notes were printed with duplicate serial numbers, making them extremely valuable to collectors.
Error Serial Number Ranges
| Error Type | Serial Number Range | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| L Series Duplicate | L00000001* – L03200000* | $500 – $10,000 |
| B Series Duplicate | B00000001* – B03200000* | $500 – $15,000 |
Other Features to Check
Apart from star notes and duplicates, the 2013 $100 bill has advanced security features:
- 3D blue security ribbon
- Color-changing bell in the inkwell
If you find printing errors like misaligned ribbons, smudged ink, or misprints, your bill could be worth even more. The condition of the note is also important—an uncirculated crisp note is worth much more than a worn one.
Why Collectors Love These Bills
The 2013 $100 bills are exciting for collectors because they are both modern and rare. Many people don’t even realize they own them, which makes discovery thrilling. Plus, the mistake by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing adds historical value.
Auction houses continue to see rising demand, especially for notes in perfect condition.
How to Check and Sell Your Bill
- Inspect your bills – Look for a star symbol and check the serial number ranges.
- Protect it – Keep the bill flat in a protective sleeve, don’t fold or spend it.
- Authenticate it – Get professional grading from services like PCGS or PMG.
- Choose where to sell – Serious collectors and auction houses often pay the highest prices.
Rare 2013 $100 Bills: The 2013 $100 bill proves that even modern money can hold hidden treasures. With rare star notes, duplicate serial numbers, and unusual printing errors, these bills can sell for thousands—or even hundreds of thousands.
If you own one, you could be sitting on a hidden fortune without even knowing it. So, check your wallet, your piggy bank, or old envelopes—you might be holding one of the most valuable $100 bills ever printed.
FAQs
A bill with a star note or duplicate serial number error can be worth from $500 up to $500,000.
Look at the serial number. If you see a small star symbol at the end, it’s a star note.
The best places are professional auction houses or trusted collectors. Online marketplaces work too, but auctions usually bring higher offers.