100 Bills: Even in wallets, cash drawers, and bank tills today, there are $100 bills with printing or production errors hiding in plain sight. While most people treat them just like any other note, collectors—especially currency error enthusiasts—are always on the lookout. Some of these flawed bills have fetched remarkably high prices at auctions, turning what might have been everyday pocket change into prized collectibles.
Why Error Notes Capture Collectors’ Imagination
The process of printing U.S. currency is complex, involving multiple stages, colors, seals, security features, and finishing touches. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) has tight quality control—but occasionally, mistakes slip past inspection. When they do, the result can be fascinating to currency collectors:
-
What is an “error” in this context? It refers to a note in which something was printed incorrectly (or not at all), or parts of the design are misaligned, duplicated, inverted, or otherwise flawed.
-
For many collectors, these “mistakes” are not defects but unique signatures—each error is often one-of-a-kind, boosting its desirability.
Because such notes are rare, even a small discrepancy can raise interest—and hundreds or thousands of dollars above face value.
Common Types of Errors on $100 Bills
Not every odd mark makes a note valuable, but here are errors that often attract attention:
| Error Type | Description | Why It’s Collectible |
|---|---|---|
| Misaligned seals or serial numbers | The green Treasury seal or serial digits shift slightly off their intended position | Subtle mistakes like these are harder to spot and can appeal to advanced collectors |
| Missing or overprinted elements | Sections of the design (such as signatures or security features) are missing, faint, or overprinted | The more major the omission or overprint, the more collectible |
| Fold-over printing | The note got partially folded during printing—so one part gets printed twice, or a blank area results | Dramatic visual effects often increase interest |
| Inverted back or upside-down elements | The back of the note (or parts of it) is printed upside down relative to the front | Such alignment errors are visually striking and rare |
| Duplicate or mismatched serial numbers | The two serial numbers on the front do not match (or one is printed twice) | Serial number errors are among the more obvious and intriguing mistakes |
Some recent news reports cite a particular 2013-series $100 with a printing “stuck digit” (a misplaced or smudged number) selling for an astonishing sum. One such bill reportedly fetched $74,000 at auction. Others cite versions of mismatched serials or double impressions commanding premiums well above face value.
Diambars Med+2javatoursandtravels.com+2
Notable Auction Sales & Highlights
Here are a few standout examples that illustrate how valuable error notes can become:
-
A rare 2013-series $100 bill with a printing error reportedly sold for $74,000. Diambars Med
-
Another variation of that series has been said to reach a selling price of $77,000 because of its serial-number anomaly. javatoursandtravels.com
-
Even less dramatic misprints—like minor “off-center” prints or slight misalignments—have sold for thousands of dollars, illustrating strong demand for such curiosities. Yahoo Finance
These sales show that the market for error currency is active—and that people dealing with everyday cash should keep an eye out.
How to Spot a Hidden Error in a $100 Bill
If you have a $100 bill and you wonder whether it hides something special, here are practical tips:
-
Check both serial numbers (located at upper right and lower left). Do they match exactly? Any discrepancy is suspicious.
-
Inspect the green seal and other design elements for shifts, smudges, or irregular spacing.
-
Look for doubling or ghost impressions—you might see faint second images of numbers or letters.
-
Examine edges and borders—misaligned edges or cropping errors can reveal something.
-
Compare to a “normal” bill—if you have a typical $100 note, hold them side by side to spot differences.
-
Preserve condition—even an error note loses some value if it is heavily folded, worn, or damaged.
If you believe you have found an error, take the note to a reputable currency dealer, grading service, or auction house for authentication before attempting a sale.
Should You Hold or Sell?
Once an error $100 bill is confirmed, the decision to hold or sell depends on several factors:
-
Rarity & severity of the error: More dramatic or unusual errors tend to appreciate more over time.
-
Condition (grade): Crisp, uncirculated bills fetch much higher prices than worn ones.
-
Market interest: Auction demand sometimes fluctuates; selling during a peak in interest might yield better returns.
-
Personal preference: Some collectors prefer owning a unique piece; others prefer liquidating it.
If you decide to sell, consider auction houses specializing in currency, dealers with strong reputations, or numismatic marketplaces. Authentication and certification (grading) are essential to get the best offers.
FAQs — $100 Bills With Hidden Errors
Q1: Does every misprint make a bill valuable?
No. Many “errors” are minor printing quirks or damage from circulation. Only genuine production mistakes that escaped BEP quality control have significant collectible value.
Q2: How can I verify that my bill’s error is genuine?
Use a professional grading or authentication service. Experts have magnification tools, knowledge of known error types, and experience to distinguish true errors from damage, counterfeits, or alterations.
Q3: Can a counterfeit be mistaken for a rare error?
Yes, especially by a casual observer. That’s why professional verification is critical. Counterfeiters sometimes mimic errors to confuse buyers.
Q4: Are error notes legal to own or trade?
Yes. As long as the note is genuine (not counterfeit) and not defaced illegally, owning and trading error currency is legal in the U.S.
Q5: How much more than face value can an error $100 bill fetch?
It depends heavily on the error, rarity, series, and condition. Some have sold for tens of thousands of dollars—far above face value.
Q6: Where’s the best place to sell a validated error note?
Reputable numismatic auction houses, specialist currency dealers, or certified coin/note fairs. Be sure they have experience in error currency and good credibility.