Imagine pulling a $100 bill from your wallet and discovering it’s worth a fortune—up to $77,000! That’s the buzz around a rare 2013 $100 bill with a unique printing mistake called a “stuck digit error.”
This error has turned everyday cash into a collector’s treasure, sparking excitement among numismatists and casual money handlers alike in 2025. Could one of these bills be hiding in your pocket? Let’s dive into what makes this bill so valuable and how you can spot it.
Why Is the 2013 $100 Bill So Valuable?
The 2013 $100 bill was part of a major redesign by the U.S. Treasury, featuring advanced security features like a 3D blue security ribbon and color-shifting ink. But what makes certain bills worth thousands is a rare printing flaw known as the stuck digit error.
This happens when one digit in the serial number is misprinted, appearing smudged, blurry, or incomplete—like a “6” looking like a “0.” Normally, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing catches these mistakes, but a small batch of 2013 bills slipped through, making them incredibly rare and valuable.
Key Features of the $77,000 $100 Bill
Not every 2013 $100 bill is a jackpot, but the ones with specific errors stand out. Here’s what to look for:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 2013 |
| Error | Stuck digit in serial number (smudged or incomplete) |
| Federal Reserve Seal | May appear doubled or missing |
| Condition | Uncirculated, no folds or creases |
| Estimated Value | Up to $77,000 (depending on condition) |
A pristine, uncirculated bill with a clear stuck digit error sold for $77,000 at auction in 2025, proving just how sought-after these errors are.
How to Spot a Rare 2013 $100 Bill
Ready to check your cash? Here’s how to identify a valuable 2013 $100 bill:
1. Check the Series Year
Look at the front of the bill, just below Benjamin Franklin’s portrait. It should read “Series 2013.” Only this series has the stuck digit error.
2. Examine the Serial Number
Find the green serial numbers in the top right and bottom left corners. Look for any digit that appears blurry, smudged, or incomplete. A magnifying glass can help spot subtle errors.
3. Inspect the Federal Reserve Seal
Check the Federal Reserve Bank letter to the left of Franklin’s portrait. On some error bills, it may look doubled or missing, adding to the bill’s rarity.
4. Assess the Condition
Collectors pay top dollar for uncirculated bills with no folds, creases, or stains. A worn bill may still be valuable but likely won’t fetch $77,000.
5. Don’t Alter the Bill
Never clean or press a bill—it can damage its value. Store it in a protective sleeve and seek professional grading.
Other Valuable $100 Bill Errors
The stuck digit error isn’t the only mistake that can make a 2013 $100 bill valuable. Keep an eye out for these:
| Error Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Mismatched Serial Numbers | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Double Denomination | Up to $50,000 |
- Mismatched Serial Numbers: The two serial numbers on the front should match. If they don’t, the bill could be worth thousands.
- Double Denomination: A rare error where a $100 bill is printed over a lower denomination, like a $10 bill, can fetch up to $50,000.
Where Could These Bills Be Hiding?
The thrill of finding a $77,000 bill lies in its accessibility. These bills could be in your wallet, loose change from a store, or an old cash stash at home. Stories of people finding rare bills at ATMs, in tip jars, or family collections fuel the excitement. With millions of $100 bills in circulation, a rare error could still be out there.
Understanding Bill Grading
A bill’s condition is critical to its value. Here’s a quick guide:
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| Poor | Heavily worn, torn, or stained |
| Good | Moderate wear, readable details |
| Fine | Light wear, clear details |
| Uncirculated | Crisp, no signs of handling |
An uncirculated bill graded MS65 or higher with a stuck digit error could be worth tens of thousands.
What to Do If You Find a Rare Bill
Think you’ve found a valuable 2013 $100 bill? Here’s what to do:
- Handle with Care: Use gloves or tweezers to avoid damaging the bill with skin oils.
- Store Safely: Place it in a protective plastic sleeve to preserve its condition.
- Get It Graded: Contact PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) or PCGS Currency for professional grading to confirm authenticity and value.
- Research Value: Check recent auction records to estimate worth. For example間に
System: example, a “6” might look like a “0” due to a stuck digit error.
5. Consult a Professional
If you suspect you’ve found a rare bill, don’t spend it. Take it to a trusted currency dealer or grading service like PMG or PCGS for authentication. They can verify the error and provide an accurate valuation, ensuring you don’t miss out on its potential worth.
The Excitement of the Hunt
The $77,000 sale of a 2013 $100 bill has ignited a treasure hunt across the country. Social media is buzzing with collectors and casual enthusiasts sharing tips and photos of potential finds. Currency shows are seeing renewed interest, and people are checking their wallets, old cash registers, and family stashes. Even if you don’t find a $77,000 bill, other 2013 $100 bills with minor errors or unique features can still be worth hundreds or thousands.
A Piece of Modern History
The 2013 $100 bill, with its high-tech security features like the 3D ribbon and color-shifting ink, represents a leap in U.S. currency design. A printing error on such a modern bill makes it a unique piece of numismatic history. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious, inspecting your cash could lead to a life-changing discovery.
FAQs About the 2013 $100 Bill
What is a stuck digit error on a 2013 $100 bill?
A stuck digit error occurs when one digit in the serial number is misprinted, appearing smudged, blurry, or incomplete, making the bill rare and valuable.
How do I know if my $100 bill is from 2013?
Check the series year printed below Benjamin Franklin’s portrait on the front. It should read “Series 2013.”
Where can I get my bill appraised?
Visit a local coin shop or contact professional grading services like PMG or PCGS Currency for an expert evaluation.
Are all 2013 $100 bills valuable?
No, most are worth $100 unless they have rare errors like a stuck digit, mismatched serial numbers, or double denomination, and are in uncirculated condition.
Can I find these bills in circulation?
Yes, though rare, they can appear in loose change, bank withdrawals, or old collections. Always check your cash carefully.
Next time you pull out a $100 bill, take a closer look at the serial number and condition. You might just be holding a $77,000 treasure in disguise