2013 $100 Bill With Mismatched Serial Numbers: In 2013, the U.S. government printed a batch of $100 bills. But among them, a rare mistake happened. One of those bills had mismatched serial numbers—meaning the unique identifying numbers on the front of the note didn’t match on each side. Normally, the two serial numbers printed on a bill must be exactly the same. In this case, they were not, making this a printing error—and that kind of mistake is extremely rare.
How Was the Error Discovered?
For a long time, no one noticed anything unusual about the bill. It was just sitting out there in circulation or stored quietly. Then, a collector who had an eye for details came across it and realized something was off. Upon closer inspection, it was confirmed that the serial numbers on the front were different from each other. This kind of error can happen during the printing process, but it’s so rare that very few people ever see it in their lifetime.
The Story Behind the Printing Mistake
The $100 bill was part of a batch printed at two different locations: Washington, D.C., and Fort Worth, Texas. During that time, the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing accidentally released a group of bills that had duplicate or mismatched serial numbers. Only a few of them made it into the public’s hands. This particular bill from 2013 became one of the most valuable currency errors ever found.
Why Did It Sell for Nearly $1 Million?
Collectors love rare and unusual items, especially when it comes to currency. The value of this bill wasn’t in the money printed on it—it was in its uniqueness. Because the bill had mismatched serial numbers and was officially verified as a genuine printing error, it became extremely valuable. Over time, as word spread among collectors, one buyer was willing to pay $977,000 to own it. That’s nearly ten thousand times its face value.
At a Glance: The Rare 2013 $100 Bill
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 2013 |
| Face Value | $100 |
| Error Type | Mismatched Serial Numbers |
| Estimated Error Bills | Around 6,600 |
| Sale Price | $977,000 |
| Printing Locations | Washington, D.C. and Fort Worth |
| Serial Numbers | Two different numbers on one note |
| Status | Sold in a private transaction |
The bill wasn’t sold at a big public auction or announced with a lot of media coverage. Instead, the sale happened quietly and privately between a seller and a buyer. It only became known afterward when collector communities started talking about it. That quiet sale shocked many people who couldn’t believe that a $100 bill had sold for such a huge amount.
Could There Be More Like It Out There?
Yes, it’s possible. Experts believe that around 6,600 of these error bills were printed, but only a few have ever been found. This means there could still be others out there—maybe sitting in someone’s wallet or tucked away in a drawer, completely unnoticed. That possibility has created a buzz among collectors, who are now looking more closely at their $100 bills.
How to Spot a Rare Bill Like This
To find out if you have a bill with mismatched serial numbers, you have to check both serial numbers on the front of the bill. If they are not exactly the same, you might have found a rare error note. But to confirm it and learn its true value, you would need to take it to a currency expert or get it officially graded by a currency certification company.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Discovery
Most people will never come across something like this in their life. That’s why it’s such a big deal. A simple mistake during printing turned one ordinary $100 bill into a collector’s dream. It’s a reminder that even everyday items can become incredibly valuable under the right conditions.
At a Glance: The Rare 2013 $100 Bill
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year | 2013 |
| Face Value | $100 |
| Error Type | Mismatched Serial Numbers |
| Estimated Error Bills | Around 6,600 |
| Sale Price | $977,000 |
| Printing Locations | Washington, D.C. and Fort Worth |
| Serial Numbers | Two different numbers on one note |
| Status | Sold in a private transaction |
FAQs
What is a mismatched serial number bill?
It’s a bill where the two serial numbers printed on the front do not match. This is due to a printing error.
Why is the 2013 $100 bill with mismatched numbers so valuable?
Because it’s a rare printing mistake, and collectors pay high prices for unique items like this.
How many error bills were made in 2013?
Experts believe about 6,600 bills were printed with this error, but very few have been found.
Can I still find one of these bills in circulation?
It’s unlikely, but not impossible. That’s why collectors are still searching.
What should I do if I think I have a rare bill?
Take it to a currency expert or get it graded by a professional to check its authenticity and value.