2013 $1 Bill: It’s easy to overlook a simple one-dollar bill. We use it every day for small purchases, tips, and change. But if you happen to have a $1 bill from the year 2013, it might be time to take a second look before handing it over at the register. A specific set of these bills is creating quite a buzz among collectors and could be worth a significant amount — think more than ten thousand times its face value.
What Makes the 2013 $1 Bill So Special?
In 2014, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) made a printing error that would later lead to the release of two separate batches of $1 bills carrying the same exact serial numbers — a rare event in the tightly controlled world of currency printing.
To break it down:
- One batch was printed in Washington D.C. in 2014.
- Another batch was printed in Fort Worth, Texas, in 2016.
Each of these runs contained 6.4 million bills — and due to a miscommunication between the two printing facilities, they were given identical serial numbers, including matching Federal Reserve identifiers (specifically, from the New York district marked with the letter “B”).
This duplication created what collectors call “duplicate serial number pairs.” And that’s what makes these notes so valuable — especially when someone can produce both notes with the same serial number, one from each location.
How Much Can They Be Worth?
While a regular $1 bill will only get you a candy bar or a coffee refill, these rare pairs have been sold for as much as $15,000. That’s right — a humble bill tucked in your wallet or stashed in a drawer could be a hidden treasure.
Even if you only have one half of a matching pair, collectors are actively searching for them. A single bill could still fetch hundreds of dollars, depending on its condition and rarity.
How to Check If You Have One
If you’re curious whether your 2013 $1 bill is part of this valuable series, here’s what to look for:
- Series Date: It must say “Series 2013.”
- Federal Reserve District: Look for the letter “B” which corresponds to New York.
- Serial Number Range: Your bill’s serial number must fall between B00000001★ – B06400000★ (the star at the end is optional).
- Plate Position Indicators: While not essential, collectors often use these for verification. The tiny letters and numbers on your bill may help confirm its origin.
How to Find a Matching Pair
Websites like Project 2013B (managed by collectors) are tracking bills in this series. If you submit your serial number, they’ll let you know if its twin has already been found.
You can also connect with online communities of collectors or browse listings on auction sites like eBay, where these rare bills sometimes appear.
What To Do If You Have One
- Keep it safe: Don’t spend it or crumple it — store it in a plastic currency holder or sleeve to protect its condition.
- Get it appraised: Reach out to a certified currency dealer or use online communities for assistance.
- Consider waiting: The value could rise over time, especially as more bills go out of circulation and remaining pairs become even rarer.
It’s not every day that a $1 bill turns out to be a rare collector’s item worth thousands of dollars. But thanks to a historic printing error, the 2013 $1 bill with duplicate serial numbers has become a hot topic in the numismatic world. So, before you spend that crumpled dollar in your pocket, take a close look — it could be your lucky day.