The Most Valuable One Dollar Bill

Auction results show that the most valuable one-dollar bill is an 1874 $1 United States Note, which sold for $26,400 in March 2024. This bill stands out for its rarity and exceptional condition, with few similar notes in such well-preserved form. The black ink is sharp and unmarred, and its red overprints retain a vibrant red color, unlike the faded pinkish hues often found on similar bills. Notably, the intricate red floral frame around the word "ONE" is especially detailed—an attribute that is rarely seen even in other uncirculated versions. While finding another bill in this condition is nearly impossible, there are still valuable dollar bills that are more common and could be worth many times their face value.

Rare Printing Error: 2014–2016 Dollar Bills

The Federal Reserve is tasked with issuing paper currency in the United States, a responsibility established by the 1913 Federal Reserve Act. A key provision in this law, Article 16, Note 3, requires that Federal Reserve Notes (including dollar bills) display a distinctive letter and serial number on their faces.

Despite this, errors do occur, and one recent mistake has presented an opportunity for collectors. In 2014, the Federal Reserve ordered a batch of one-dollar bills to be printed at its Washington, DC branch. Two years later, the same batch was printed at the Federal Reserve in Fort Worth, Texas. Due to a miscommunication, both branches printed bills with matching serial numbers.

For collectors, finding matching pairs of these bills is the challenge. Although millions were printed, only 37 pairs have been discovered. Depending on their condition, these pairs can sell for at least $20,000, with mint-graded notes reaching as much as $150,000 at auction. To identify these valuable bills, look for the following features:

Series date: "Series 2013"
Federal Reserve Seal: "B"
Serial number: Ends with a star
Serial number range: B00000001* – B00250000* or B03200001* – B09600000*

If you come across a bill with these characteristics, you're on the right path. Organizations like Project 2013B track these bills, which can assist you in locating a matching pair.

What Types of Dollar Bills to Look Out For? 

Besides unique serial numbers, there are various categories of valuable dollar bills:  

1. Star Notes
   Look for a star symbol at the end of the serial number. This means the bill is a replacement for a misprinted one. Star notes can be worth anywhere from $1 to $1,000, depending on their rarity and condition.

2. Web Notes
   These bills were printed using a different process in 1995. They have a different arrangement of plate numbers. Web notes can be worth $1 to $1,000 or more, depending on their condition.

3. Misprinted Bills
   If the printing is off—such as misaligned numbers or errors in the cut—your bill could be a valuable misprint. These bills can be worth anywhere from $1 to $150,000, depending on the error.

4. Radar Notes
   If the serial number is the same forwards and backwards (like 12344321), it’s called a radar note. These are popular with collectors and can be worth $1 to $50.

5. Birthday Notes
   Some bills have serial numbers with important dates, like birthdays or historical events. These bills could be worth $1 to $30, especially if they have a personal connection or historical significance.

6. Ladder Notes
   If the serial number has numbers in a sequence, like 12345678 or 98765432, it’s a ladder note. These can be worth $1 to $25.