10 Most Valuable $2, $50, and $100 Bills : Most people never give their cash more than a passing glance—but if you’re paying with paper, you might want to slow down. Among the $2, $50, and $100 bills still in circulation, some rare variations and serial numbers can turn ordinary money into collector gold worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Here’s a list of 10 of the most valuable and sought-after bills you could literally find in your wallet.
$2 Bill – 2003A “W” Star Note
- Why it’s valuable: These rare notes were printed in Fort Worth with a star (*) at the end of the serial number, replacing damaged bills in limited batches.
- What it’s worth: Up to $300–$500 in uncirculated condition.
$100 Bill – 1996 “Web Note”
- Why it’s valuable: These rare notes were printed using an experimental “web” press rather than the traditional sheet-fed method. Only a small number exist.
- How to tell: Look for no plate position letters next to the “100” on the front.
- Value: $1,000–$2,000 depending on condition.
$2 Bill – 1928 Red Seal
- Why it’s valuable: The first small-size $2 bills issued with a red seal instead of the now-common green.
- Condition is key: Crisp versions command higher premiums.
- Value: From $150 to over $1,000.
$50 Bill – 1990 “Missing Security Strip” Error
- Why it’s valuable: Early security features included an embedded strip. Some notes from 1990 were printed without it—making them collectible.
- Value: $300–$600+.
$100 Bill – “Low Serial Number” (e.g., 00000025)
- Why it’s valuable: Serial numbers under 00000100 are extremely desirable, especially on newer notes.
- How to tell: Look at the serial number—if it starts with lots of zeros, it might be worth big money.
- Value: $1,000 to $10,000, depending on the exact number and condition.
$2 Bill – “Radar” or Palindromic Serial Number
- Why it’s valuable: Radar numbers read the same forward and backward (e.g., 12344321). These are always in demand among collectors.
- Value: $50 to $500+, depending on the number and condition.
$50 Bill – Star Notes
- Why it’s valuable: Star notes replace misprinted bills in the printing process and are produced in lower quantities. Some series are rarer than others.
- Value: $100–$1,200, depending on the year and condition.
$100 Bill – 1981 Federal Reserve Note (Boston “A”)
- Why it’s valuable: This series had limited production for the Boston Federal Reserve Bank and is rare in high-grade condition.
- Value: $600–$1,500 in uncirculated condition.
$2 Bill – 1976 First Day of Issue with Cancelled Envelope
- Why it’s valuable: The U.S. Postal Service allowed customers to stamp $2 bills on April 13, 1976, the first day of reissue. Many were kept in commemorative condition.
- Value: $200–$400 in good condition with matching envelope and stamp.
$100 Bill – 1934 “Blue Seal” Silver Certificate
- Why it’s valuable: Unlike today’s Federal Reserve Notes, silver certificates could once be exchanged for silver. Blue seal $100 bills from 1934 are highly collectible.
- Value: $1,200 to $3,000, depending on condition and serial number.
Final Thoughts: Check Before You Spend
Before you break that $100 at the grocery store or pass a $2 bill to impress a cashier, take a good look. You might be carrying a small fortune without even knowing it.
What to Look For:
- Unique serial numbers (low, repeating, or palindromes)
- Star notes (indicated by a * in the serial)
- Old series years
- Printing errors or anomalies
- Crisp, uncirculated condition
What to Do If You Think You Found One:
- Do not spend it.
- Store it carefully (use a currency sleeve or acid-free paper).
- Have it appraised by a trusted currency dealer or grading service.
- Check auction results to estimate its value.
You don’t need to be a collector to strike it rich—just someone who pays attention. So go ahead: check your wallet. You might be holding more than just money—you might be holding history.
