5 Rare 100-Dollar Bills You Can Retire On

A $100 bill is often referred to by several names, including a C-note, Benjamin, Franklin, or simply Ben, but no matter what you call it, it is always worth at least $100. However, certain rare $100 bills can be worth significantly more.

In fact, some exceptional specimens can be valued in the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars. Identifying these valuable notes requires understanding what makes them stand out. Even if you don’t discover an ultra-valuable $100 bill right away, you’ll know what to look for in the future.

$100 Bill Value Guide

If you’re on the hunt for rare currency, it’s helpful to keep a value guide handy. The following examples, based on information from US Currency Auctions, feature some of the most valuable $100 bills, including the 1863, 1882, and 1890 notes.

Year	Type	Size	Seal Color	Circulated Value	Uncirculated Value
1863	United States Note	Large	Red	$12,500 – $25,000	$35,000+
1869	United States Note	Large	Red	$11,500 – $25,000	$45,000+
1878	Silver Certificate	Large	Red	Too rare to estimate	N/A
1880	Silver Certificate	Large	Brown	$7,000 – $25,000	N/A
1882	Gold Certificate	Large	Brown	$3,000 – $8,000	$15,000+
1890	Treasury Note	Large	Brown	$50,000 – $100,000	N/A
1891	Silver Certificate	Large	Red	$7,000 – $15,000	$25,000+
1934	Federal Reserve Note	Small	Green	$135 – $175	$400+
1950	Federal Reserve Note	Small	Green	$115 – $140	$175+
1969	Federal Reserve Note	Small	Green	$135	$165+
1977	Federal Reserve Note	Small	Green	$130	$150+
1990	Federal Reserve Note	Small	Green	$115	$140+
2001	Federal Reserve Note	Small	Green	$110	$120+
2013	Federal Reserve Note	Small	Green	$100	$102+

Important Details

Before 1929, $100 bills were produced in various styles and sizes, including larger notes, sometimes referred to as “horse blankets,” measuring around 7.42 by 3.1 inches. These large notes are now considered rare and highly valuable.

How Rare Are 100-Dollar Bills?

Despite the fact that $100 bills are the most widely circulated currency, you may be surprised by their rarity in certain cases. The Federal Reserve estimates that around 18.5 billion $100 bills are currently in circulation, with many of them stored by banks around the world.

However, not all $100 bills are created equal. Some are considered extremely rare, depending on factors like serial numbers, signatures, printing errors, age, and, most importantly, their condition. These unique qualities can significantly increase their value, making certain bills worth far more than their face value.

How Much Is a 100-Dollar Bill Worth?

A $100 bill is always worth at least $100, its face value. However, certain bills especially those from earlier eras can be worth much more. For example, pre-1928 $100 bills, particularly large notes, can be worth at least $300 in good condition.

Several factors come into play when determining the value of a $100 bill. Here are the key aspects to consider:

• Age: Bills issued before 1929, when the Federal Reserve standardized the design, tend to be more rare and valuable.
• Condition: Bills that have been less circulated are worth more. Look for crisp edges, minimal wear, and clear printing with no wrinkles or rips.
• Rare Serial Numbers: Early serial numbers or unusual patterns in the serial number can make a bill worth more than its face value.
• Signatures: Bills with a handwritten signature (rather than just an engraved name or stamp) are often more valuable.
• Printing Errors: Printing mistakes are uncommon, but when they do occur, they can significantly increase a bill’s value.

5 Ultra-Rare 100-Dollar Bills

While it’s unlikely you’ll find these ultra-rare $100 bills in your bank envelope, knowing what makes them special can help you identify other valuable bills. These $100 notes are highly sought after by collectors and can be worth far more than their face value.

Need to Know

Paper currency is categorized using Friedberg numbers, a system that labels different design and signature combinations on bills. Some of these Friedberg numbers are exceptionally rare, making certain bills even more valuable to collectors.

$100 1863 Gold Certificate (Fr. 1166c)

The 1863 $100 Gold Certificate, cataloged as Friedberg number 1166c, is one of the rarest and most valuable $100 bills in existence. Only three of these bills are known to collectors, and two of them are housed in the Smithsonian Institution. Not only is this bill incredibly rare, but it also holds significant historical value, as it dates back to one of the earliest periods when paper currency was issued in the United States.

An example of this bill in exceptionally fine condition, with both hand signatures and engraved signatures, fetched an astounding $2,115,000 at auction in 2013. Its rarity and historical importance make it a true treasure for collectors.

$100 1882 Gold Certificate (Fr. 1202a)

The 1882 $100 Gold Certificate, cataloged as Friedberg number 1202a, is another extremely rare bill, with only three known examples in existence. This unique note is unlike any modern $100 bill, featuring a vibrant gold reverse and gold accents on the front, making it stand out to collectors and historians alike.

Even in less-than-perfect condition, this bill holds significant value. In 2014, an example in very fine condition sold for $822,500, further cementing its status as a highly collectible piece of American currency. Its rarity, distinctive design, and historical significance make it a prized find for those lucky enough to come across one.

$100 1878 Silver Certificate (Fr. 337b)

The 1878 $100 Silver Certificate, classified as Friedberg number 337b, is an extremely rare and valuable note, with only four known examples in existence. As one of the most sought-after $100 bills, its value is significantly influenced by its condition. In 2018, a very fine example of this bill sold for an impressive $660,000.

This rare silver certificate is a prized possession for collectors, and its limited availability only adds to its allure. The combination of scarcity and historical significance makes the 1878 $100 Silver Certificate a highly coveted item in the world of currency collecting.

$100 1890 Treasury Note (Fr. 377)

The 1890 $100 Treasury Note, cataloged as Friedberg number 377, is a highly rare and unique bill, often referred to as a “watermelon note” due to the distinctive shape and color of the zeros on the back, which resemble watermelons. Only around 40 examples are known to exist, with most of them already secured in private collections.

In 2005, an uncirculated example of this note sold at auction for $356,500, reflecting its scarcity and appeal to collectors. The combination of its rarity, distinctive design, and historical significance makes the 1890 Treasury Note a valuable find for those lucky enough to come across one.

$100 1863 Legal Tender (Fr. 167a)

Issued in the same year as the 1863 $100 Gold Certificate, the 1863 $100 Legal Tender note is somewhat less rare, but still highly valuable. Only seven uncirculated examples of any of the Friedberg numbers for this note are known to exist. Due to its scarcity, it is extremely sought after by collectors. In 2013, one of these rare notes sold for $305,500, highlighting its worth and appeal in the collector’s market.

Which 100-Dollar Bill Serial Numbers Are Worth the Most?

While it would be convenient to have a tool to look up the value of a $100 bill based on its serial number, many factors contribute to what makes a serial number valuable. Here are some key things to watch for when examining the serial numbers on your bills:

• Star Notes: A star note features a star symbol in its serial number, indicating that it is a replacement bill. These are often more valuable to collectors.
• Repeating Numbers: Serial numbers that contain repeating sequences (e.g., 123123) can attract attention from collectors, increasing their value.
• Palindromes: A serial number that reads the same backward and forward is a palindrome. These are highly prized and often worth more due to their unique symmetry.
• Low Serial Numbers: Serial numbers that are very low, especially those from the beginning of a printing series, are more valuable. Collectors seek out these early numbers because they were among the first bills produced in that series.

Take Some Time to Check Your Bank Envelope

Next time you’re at the bank, take a little extra time to check through your 100-dollar bills. While this denomination is commonly circulated, some rare notes could be worth much more than their face value. Taking a closer look might reveal hidden treasures that are valuable to collectors, making your regular cash worth a lot more than you might expect.

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