Imagine paying for coffee with a $5 bill—only to find out later that same bill could’ve sold for $66,000. That’s exactly the value one incredibly rare $5 note with a unique serial number recently fetched at auction, proving once again that big money can come in small denominations.
This eye-catching sale is sparking interest across the country as everyday people take a closer look at their wallets. Why? Because this isn’t about age or rarity in print—it’s all about the serial number.
The $5 Bill That Shocked Collectors
The note in question looks like any other $5 bill at first glance. Featuring Abraham Lincoln’s portrait and the usual green Treasury seal, there’s nothing visually flashy about it—except for one important detail: the serial number.
This particular bill featured what’s known as a “super radar” serial number — a perfectly symmetrical sequence like A12344321A — an extreme rarity in the world of paper currency. Combine that with pristine condition and professional certification, and the $5 bill transformed into a high-value collectible.
After intense bidding from collectors, the bill was sold at auction for a staggering $66,000.
What Makes a Serial Number Valuable?
Serial numbers are printed on every U.S. bill, but some combinations are far rarer than others. Collectors call these “fancy serial numbers,” and depending on the pattern, they can dramatically increase a note’s value—sometimes by thousands of dollars.
The most desirable serial number types include:
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Low numbers: 00000001 to 00000100
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Repeater: 12121212 or 45454545
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Radar: Same forward and backward (e.g., 12344321 or 10000001)
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Ladder: Perfect ascending or descending (e.g., 12345678 or 87654321)
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Solid: All one digit (e.g., 55555555)
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Binary: Only two digits used (e.g., 01010101)
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Birthday notes: Dates like 07041976 (July 4, 1976) or 12252000 (Christmas 2000)
The more rare and visually perfect the sequence, the higher the potential value—especially if the bill is in uncirculated condition.
How to Check Your $5 Bill for Rare Serial Numbers
You don’t need to be an expert to check your own bills. Just follow these simple steps:
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Locate the serial number
Found on the front of the bill in green ink—top right and bottom left corners. -
Look for patterns
Examine the number for symmetry, repetition, or other eye-catching sequences. -
Check condition
Bills that are crisp, clean, and uncirculated fetch higher prices. -
Use online tools
Sites like MyCurrencyCollection.com and CoolSerialNumbers.com offer serial number guides and rarity checkers. -
Get it appraised
If you think you’ve found something valuable, consider having it graded by a professional currency authentication service like PMG or PCGS Currency.
Where to Sell a Rare Serial Number Bill
If you discover a potentially valuable bill, you have several options:
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eBay or online auctions (for fast exposure)
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Specialized currency dealers
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Numismatic forums and collector groups
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Major auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers
Make sure to include high-resolution images and details about the serial number, series year, and condition when listing or inquiring.
Final Thoughts
The recent $66,000 sale of a $5 bill is a thrilling reminder that true value can hide in plain sight. While most $5 bills are worth exactly that—$5—a rare serial number and solid condition can turn it into a collector’s dream.
So before you break that bill on a morning latte, take a closer look at those digits. You might just be carrying a small fortune.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on new bills from bank ATMs or sealed packs—these are more likely to be crisp and uncirculated, and the perfect place to spot a rare serial number.