Check Your Wallet for This 2024 $5 Radar Bill : What if a $5 bill in your wallet could be worth more than a luxury car? That’s exactly what happened when a rare 2024 $5 “Radar” bill surfaced at auction and stunned collectors by selling for an astonishing $66,000. While most people wouldn’t think twice about spending a five-dollar note, this one was anything but ordinary — and you could have a similar treasure hiding in plain sight.
Let’s break down what makes this bill so valuable, how to spot one, and why you should take a closer look at your cash before you spend it.
What Is a Radar Bill?
A Radar bill is a piece of currency with a palindromic serial number — meaning it reads the same forward and backward. Think of it like a number mirror.
Examples:
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12344321
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20000002
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87655678
These patterns are extremely rare in the world of currency. Combine that rarity with a newly issued 2024 $5 bill in perfect condition, and you’ve got a collector’s dream.
The $66,000 Radar Bill: What Made It So Special?
The bill that just sold for $66,000 had the serial number: 20000002 — a pristine radar pattern, also known as a “super radar” because only the first and last digits differ.
Key features that drove the sky-high value:
- 2024 Series $5 Bill (fresh issue)
- Radar Serial Number: 20000002
- Perfect Condition: Graded 68 EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality) by PMG
- Extremely Low Serial: Only the 2nd note in the entire printed sequence
- Demand from collectors: Rare fancy serial numbers always attract top-tier interest
Why Radar Notes Are Valuable
Collectors love symmetry, rarity, and novelty — and radar notes tick all three boxes. Combine that with a low denomination like the $5 bill (which people don’t typically collect), and it becomes even rarer for such a pattern to survive in uncirculated condition.
Other reasons radar bills are valuable:
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Hard to find in circulation
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Often overlooked by the public
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Graded versions in near-perfect condition are extremely rare
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Serial number collectors (a growing niche) aggressively seek these bills
Could You Have One in Your Wallet?
Absolutely — and especially now, with the 2024 series just entering circulation. Here’s how to check for one:
Step 1: Look at the Serial Number
Find the two identical green serial numbers on the front of any bill. If the number reads the same forward and backward, it could be a radar.
Examples:
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10000001
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34555443
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21111112
Step 2: Condition Matters
If the bill is crisp, uncirculated, and has no folds or creases, it’s significantly more valuable.
Step 3: Take Note of Denomination and Series
The most desirable radar bills are:
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Newer issues (like 2024)
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Lower denominations ($1, $2, $5)
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Sequentially low serial numbers (starting with zeros)
What to Do If You Find One
- Don’t Spend It — set it aside immediately.
- Do Not Fold It — condition is everything.
- Store Flat and Safe — use a currency sleeve or plastic holder.
- Get It Appraised — submit to grading services like PMG or PCGS Currency.
- Research or Auction — list it privately or through a reputable auction house.
Other Fancy Serial Numbers to Watch For
In addition to radar notes, collectors also hunt for:
- Solid numbers: 77777777
- Repeaters: 12121212
- Ladders: 12345678
- Low serials: 00000001 to 00000100
- Star notes: A star (*) at the end of the serial number
If your bill has one or more of these features, it could be worth thousands.
Final Thoughts
The $66,000 2024 $5 radar bill is a powerful reminder that money can be worth far more than face value — if you know what to look for. With new bills entering circulation every day, now is the perfect time to check your wallet, purse, or bank withdrawals for hidden gems.
Because the next rare radar note could be in your hands right now — and you wouldn’t even know it.
Want a free PDF guide to all the “fancy serial numbers” collectors are looking for in 2024? Just ask — I’ll send it your way!