2013 $1 Bills With Rare Number Sequences : In an era when digital money dominates, a simple paper $1 bill from 2013 could quietly be worth hundreds — even thousands — of dollars. The secret? It’s all in the serial number. Currency collectors, or notaphilists, are eagerly hunting for rare 2013 $1 bills with unique serial number sequences, and some are shelling out serious cash to get them.
So, before you crumple up that dollar or slide it into a vending machine, take a closer look — you might be holding a small fortune in your hand.
Why the 2013 $1 Bill?
The 2013 series $1 bill isn’t rare on its own — billions were printed under Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew. But what makes a specific bill valuable is its serial number — a unique combination of letters and numbers printed on the front of every U.S. note.
In 2014, something unusual happened: the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) accidentally printed duplicate serial numbers across two different facilities — Fort Worth, Texas, and Washington, D.C. This duplication occurred in two different print runs, resulting in potentially 6.4 million pairs of $1 bills with matching serial numbers — something that should never happen.
This printing error has become legendary among collectors and is known as the “2013 Duplicate Serial Number Note Error.”
The Matching Pair Hunt
Each duplicate bill pair shares the same serial number but was printed in two different facilities. These pairs are only distinguishable by tiny details:
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Fort Worth notes have a small “FW” mark next to the plate number.
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Washington, D.C. notes do not have the “FW.”
Matching both versions of a single serial number is incredibly rare — and collectors will pay over $2,000 or more for a verified pair. Even a single note from the known duplicated range can sell for $100–$500 depending on condition and demand.
Serial Numbers That Command High Prices
Beyond the duplicate error bills, certain “fancy serial numbers” are always in high demand. Here’s what collectors look for:
Binary Notes
Only two digits used (e.g., 00000011)
Repeaters
Sequences that repeat (e.g., 12341234)
Radar Notes
Reads the same forwards and backwards (e.g., 12344321)
Solid and Near-Solid
All the same digit or almost all (e.g., 88888888 or 00000008)
Ladders
Sequential digits (e.g., 12345678)
Birthday Notes
Match a real date (e.g., 07041976 for July 4, 1976)
High-grade examples of these notes can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars on auction sites like eBay or through currency dealers.
How to Check If You Have a Valuable 2013 $1 Bill
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Look at the serial number (starts with a letter, ends with a letter)
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Check for:
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Known fancy number patterns
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Duplicates in online databases like Project 2013B
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Look at the location of printing:
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If the bill has an “FW” near the plate number, it’s from Fort Worth
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No “FW” = Washington, D.C.
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Match your bill’s serial number range with the known duplicated runs.
If you think you’ve found a match or a fancy number note, it may be worth grading through a professional service like PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) or PCGS Currency.
Real Sales Examples
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A matched pair of 2013 $1 duplicate serial number notes sold for $2,400 in 2022.
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A 2013 $1 “ladder” note (serial number 12345678) sold for $3,000.
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A near-perfect binary note from 2013 sold on eBay for $1,200.
Final Thoughts: Check Your Wallet
Rare serial number bills prove that even the most ordinary currency can hold extraordinary value. While it’s rare to find a jackpot note, they are still circulating, and it costs nothing to check. Collectors and resellers alike are scouring wallets, cash drawers, and old envelopes in hopes of striking green gold.
So the next time you’re handed change at a coffee shop, give that dollar a second glance. It might just be worth a whole lot more than you think.
Pro Tip: Start setting aside crisp, unusual bills — especially from 2013 — and check serial numbers regularly. You never know when that next big find will appear.
2013 $1 Bills With Rare Number Sequences Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs..)
Q1: Why are some 2013 $1 bills worth thousands of dollars?
A: Certain 2013 $1 bills are worth thousands due to:
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A printing error that created duplicate serial numbers at two different facilities.
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Fancy serial numbers (like 12345678 or 00000001) that are rare and collectible.
Collectors pay big money for these unusual or error notes.
Q2: What is the 2013 “duplicate serial number” error?
A: The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing accidentally printed some 2013 $1 bills with the same serial numbers at two locations — Washington, D.C., and Fort Worth, Texas. These “twin” notes are highly sought after, especially if both are found as a matching pair.
Q3: How can I tell if I have one of these duplicate serial number bills?
A: Look for:
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A serial number from the known duplicated ranges
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The presence or absence of the “FW” mark near the lower right plate number to identify the printing facility
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A match in serial number and series from two different locations
If you find one, it could be valuable — especially if you locate the matching twin!