Have you ever wondered whether that crisp—or even worn—$1 bill in your wallet might be worth more than its face value? Believe it or not, one seemingly ordinary $1 bill, printed in 2013, recently sold for an astonishing $120,000 at auction.
This phenomenal story shines a spotlight on a rare printing error that slipped past the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. In this comprehensive article, we’ll dissect every detail—from the origins of the mistake and the key identifying traits to real sale figures, collector values, and expert spotting tips.
The Background: How a Simple Dollar Became a Six‑Figure Treasure
In 2013, two Federal Reserve printing facilities—the New York (“B”) and San Francisco (“L”) districts—were sent identical orders to print batches of $1 bills.
Normally, each serial number must be unique. However, due to a rare glitch, some sequences were run twice, resulting in identical $1 bills from separate facilities. Among the millions printed, a handful of these error bills have been discovered—some commanding prices as high as $150,000 or more.
The Star of the Show: The $120,000 Sale
One standout example involves a pair of 2013 $1 bills that attracted massive collector interest. The second of the pair sold for $120,000, verified by professional grading services and authenticated as a legitimate error.
Given its uncirculated condition, rarity, and precise printing mistake, this note transformed a simple dollar into an incredible windfall.
Understanding the Error: What Is a Rare Printing Mistake?
This type of mistake occurs when two bills are produced with the exact same details but originate from different Federal Reserve districts. Key characteristics include:
- Series Year: 2013
- District Seals: One bill from “B” (New York), the other from “L” (San Francisco)
- Identical designs and details despite different origins
- Limited known examples—only a few dozen have been found
Collectors value a matched pair much more than a single bill because of their extreme rarity.
Price Ranges: What These Errors Fetch
| Condition of Notes | Single Bill Value | Matched Pair Value |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated, unverified | $2 – $10 | $20,000 – $50,000 |
| Uncirculated, graded | $25,000 – $75,000 | $75,000 – $150,000+ |
| Rare thematic designs | — | Up to $250,000 |
The $120,000 sale fits perfectly in this premium range, given its mint condition and historic appeal.
Other High‑Value $1 Bill Errors
Although this printing mistake is the most famous, other error types also attract collectors:
- Offset printing errors: Ink from the front bleeds to the back—some valued at $70,000+
- Inverted seals: Treasury seal is printed upside down—$1,000–$3,500
- Missing ink or serials: Printing skipped sections—$500–$2,000
- Misaligned prints: Off-center designs—$5,000–$15,000
- Star notes: Particularly with patterns like ladders or palindromes—$2,000–$7,500
Still, bills with duplicated designs from different Federal Reserve banks remain the top earners.
Why Authenticity and Grading Matter
Even a true error can lose value if worn or unverified. Collectors look for:
- Uncirculated condition (grades MS‑63 or higher)
- Professional grading from PMG or PCGS
- Sealed and documented proof of authenticity
The grading scale ranges from 15 to 70, and even small differences can mean thousands of dollars in value.
Real‑Life Finds: Stories of Discovery
- A homeowner sold a 2013 $1 bill from Atlanta Federal Reserve with a rare print pattern for $200,000.
- In 2021, a collector discovered a $1 bill with a visible ghost image caused by ink transfer, later valued at $72,000.
- Another individual shared online that their fold-over printing error bill had been valued at over $2,000, despite visible wear.
How to Spot a Potentially Valuable $1 Bill
Be your own treasure hunter—here’s what to look for:
- Series Date: Look for 2013
- Federal Reserve Seal: Should be either “B” or “L”
- Identical features: Compare both sides for printing anomalies
- Condition: Uncirculated bills are the most valuable
- Use online communities or collector tools for matching
- Send for grading: This proves value and boosts resale potential
Many such bills may still be in circulation, tucked away in wallets, registers, or storage boxes.
Next Steps If You Discover One
If you suspect you’ve found a valuable $1 bill:
- Don’t spend it
- Place it in a protective currency sleeve
- Take clear photographs
- Research the design and features online
- Get the bill professionally graded
- Decide whether to sell it, hold it, or hunt for a match
A matching bill could more than double the overall value of your find.
From wallet change to six-figure treasure, the journey of the 2013 $1 bill with a printing error reminds us how small details can hold massive value.
These rare printing mistakes are more than just accidents—they’re historical anomalies cherished by collectors worldwide.
With only a few examples known and many possibly still out there, the opportunity to discover one might be as close as your next dollar. So the next time you receive change, take a second look—you could be holding a fortune.
FAQs
Q1: What makes this type of $1 bill error so valuable?
These bills were printed with the same details by two different Federal Reserve districts, making them rare printing anomalies with high collector demand.
Q2: Can I still find these bills in circulation?
Yes. Many of these error notes are still in use or stored away. Check your wallets, piggy banks, or older stacks of bills carefully.
Q3: What should I do if I find one?
Keep it safe, avoid using it, and consider getting it professionally graded. This will help confirm its authenticity and maximize its resale value.