Check your serial number instantly - Find fancy patterns that collectors pay premiums for!
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A fancy serial number is a unique serial number on U.S. currency that displays an unusual or interesting pattern. These patterns—such as radar (palindrome), solid (all same digits), or ladder sequences—make the bills more desirable to collectors and can command significant premiums above face value.
While these notes are printed by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving & Printing as part of regular production, their special serial number patterns occur randomly and are relatively rare. The combination of pattern rarity, bill condition, and collector demand determines the premium value.
Did you know? Some fancy serial numbers can be worth 10-100x face value or more! A $1 bill with serial number 00000001 sold for over $10,000 at auction.
Click any pattern to learn more and see recent auction prices
Serial numbers below 100 or above 99999900. Early print sheets often kept by officials.
All same digit (solid) or one different (near-solid). Extremely rare and valuable.
Reads the same forwards and backwards. Popular with collectors.
Two digits alternating (repeater) or four digits repeating (super repeater).
Only two unique digits (binary) or three unique digits (trinary).
Sequential ascending or descending digits. True ladders are extremely rare.
Resembles dates (MM/DD/YYYY or variations). Personal significance adds value.
Replacement notes with star symbol. Value depends on print run size.
Fancy serial combined with printing errors. Exponentially increases value.
The condition of your bill dramatically affects its value. Professional grading services like PMG and PCGS Banknote use the 70-point Sheldon scale to grade currency.
| Grade Category | Numeric Range | Description | Value Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gem Uncirculated | 65-70 | Perfect or near-perfect condition | Highest premiums |
| Choice Uncirculated | 63-64 | Minor handling only | Strong premiums |
| Uncirculated | 60-62 | No circulation wear | Good premiums |
| About Uncirculated (AU) | 50-58 | Slight circulation evidence | Moderate premiums |
| Extremely Fine (XF) | 40-45 | Light circulation | Some premium |
| Very Fine (VF) | 20-35 | Moderate circulation | Limited premium |
EPQ/PPQ Designation: "Exceptional Paper Quality" (PMG) or "Premium Paper Quality" (PCGS) indicates original paper with no restoration, cleaning, or pressing. This designation adds 10-30% to the value.
Check both the left and right serial numbers on your bill. They should match exactly. Note if there's a star (★) symbol at the end.
Type the serial number into our checker tool above, or take a clear photo for AI OCR recognition (coming soon).
Get your rarity score, pattern classification (e.g., "Radar - High"), and estimated retail value range.
For bills worth $75+, consider professional grading from PMG or PCGS for formal encapsulation and certification.
Research similar sales on:
Updated quarterly with actual auction results
PMG 68 EPQ • Heritage Auctions, October 2024
PMG Graded • Heritage Auctions, May 2024
PMG Gem 65 • Heritage Auctions, February 2024
Not always. The premium depends on three factors: pattern rarity, bill condition, and current collector demand. Common patterns in poor condition may have little to no premium.
PMG/PCGS grades 60-70 are uncirculated. Grades AU 50-58 are technically circulated but show minimal wear. The distinction significantly affects value.
No. Star notes are replacement notes, and some print runs are quite large. The combination of the star with a fancy pattern, or a star from a small print run, is what creates value.
Yes! Fresh straps of $1s and $2s from banks or ATMs are your best bet. However, the odds are low—typically 1 in 10,000+ bills have valuable fancy patterns.
Use acid-free Mylar or polypropylene sleeves, store in low humidity (30-40%), avoid direct sunlight, and never use tape, rubber bands, or paper clips.
eBay "Buy It Now" with clear photos is fastest. Auctions through Heritage or Stack's Bowers may yield higher prices but take 4-8 weeks from consignment to payment.
Get detailed scoring, historical data, and professional valuations