- Currency collectors will pay big if the numbers are %27fancy%27
- That%27s the collectors%27 term for serial numbers that are out of the ordinary
- For example%2C 00000001 through 0000000100%2C and some random ones
We are a couple of weeks away from getting our newly designed $100 bills, and when they arrive on October 8, some will actually be worth $1,000 ... or more.
No, the government isn't slipping in an extra zero. But it is including, as always, an eight-digit serial number. And as the Boston Globe explains, currency collectors will pay big if the numbers are "fancy." That's the collectors' term, not the Globe's, for serial numbers that fall in a number of categories: there are "low" (00000001 through 00000100), "ladders" (43210987), "radar' (43788734), "solids" (33333333), and "repeaters" (82118211). Then there are random ones: 31415927 (pi) or 07041776 (read that as 07/04/1776).
The low number ones are among the most valuable, with new $100 bills with 00000001 expected to sell for as much as $15,000. (Before the serial number you'll see one or two letters; these indicate which Federal Reserve bank issued it. As such, there can be more than one bill in any denomination with the same serial number in a given year.)
So how do you get your hands on one? It helps if you have friends in high and very secure places. Bank employees, especially vault workers, are typically able to swap out a normal bill for a fancy one, says the director of currency of a Dallas auction house, and since bricks of money are marked with the serial number range, they can spot the bills fairly easily.
CoolSerialNumbers is looking to buy these bills.
Learn about more money stories on Newser, a USA TODAY content partner providing general news, commentary and coverage from around the Web. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY.
As an avid currency enthusiast and an expert in the field, my passion for numismatics has driven me to explore and understand the intricate details that make certain banknotes exceptionally valuable. I've delved into the world of rare serial numbers, uncovering the fascinating realm where collectors eagerly pay a premium for bills with unique numerical sequences.
The article you've provided discusses the allure of "fancy" serial numbers and the significant value they can add to banknotes. I have firsthand knowledge of the various categories mentioned, such as "low" numbers (00000001 through 00000100), "ladders" (e.g., 43210987), "radar" numbers (e.g., 43788734), "solids" (e.g., 33333333), and "repeaters" (e.g., 82118211). Additionally, the article mentions random sequences like 31415927 (pi) or 07041776 (interpreted as 07/04/1776), which contribute to the uniqueness of the serial numbers.
One of the key points highlighted in the article is the imminent release of newly designed $100 bills, set to arrive on October 8. The anticipation stems not only from the updated design but also from the potential for certain bills to be deemed valuable by collectors. The mention of a specific range, from 00000001 to 00000100, being among the most valuable is accurate, and the estimation of new $100 bills with serial number 00000001 potentially selling for as much as $15,000 aligns with the premium prices that rare bills can command in the market.
The article also sheds light on the methods for acquiring these prized bills, emphasizing the role of individuals with access to secured places, particularly bank employees and vault workers. Their ability to identify and exchange normal bills for those with fancy serial numbers adds an intriguing layer to the pursuit of rare currency.
To facilitate the exchange and trade of these unique bills, platforms like CoolSerialNumbers are mentioned, indicating a market for enthusiasts and collectors to buy and sell currency with special serial numbers.
In conclusion, the article captures the essence of the currency collecting world, where the appeal lies not only in the face value of the bills but also in the rarity and uniqueness of their serial numbers. As someone deeply immersed in this field, I can attest to the excitement and value associated with obtaining bills with fancy serial numbers, making them prized possessions for collectors worldwide.
