Most people see a $5 bill as just another piece of cash, but some rare features can turn an ordinary bill into a valuable collector’s item. Collectors are constantly on the lookout for specific serial numbers, printing errors, and historical editions that can significantly increase a bill’s value. Here are 10 signs that your $5 bill might be worth far more than its face value.
1. Unique Serial Number Patterns
Each $5 bill has a unique serial number consisting of 10 or 11 digits and letters. Serial numbers with repeating patterns, such as ‘22222222’ or ‘77773333,’ are highly sought after by collectors. Some unique combinations or specific patterns can be worth thousands of dollars.
2. Low Serial Numbers
Collectors often seek bills with low serial numbers, especially those starting with six or seven zeros, like “0000001.” These bills are valuable because they indicate that they were among the first printed in that series. A bill with a number below 100 or even 1,000 can sell for anywhere between $10 and $300, depending on its condition.
3. High Serial Numbers
Just as low serial numbers are valuable, high serial numbers—those starting with at least four nines—are also popular. The more nines a bill has, the higher its potential value. A serial number starting with five nines can sell for $50–$80, while those with six or seven nines can fetch between $100 and $400.
4. Million Serial Numbers
Million serial numbers begin with a single digit followed by seven zeros, such as 90000000, 50000000, or 80000000. These bills can sell for anywhere between $700 and $1,800 on online marketplaces like eBay.
5. Printing Errors
Printing mistakes, such as missing ink or misaligned designs, can significantly increase a bill’s value. A $5 bill from 1988 with a printing error has been valued at up to $4,000 due to an ink placement mistake.
6. Star Notes
Star notes are replacement bills printed when original bills are damaged during production. These bills often carry additional value, especially if they are from older series or in pristine condition. A 2017A $5 star note in circulation currently sells for $175, while an uncirculated one can go for as much as $1,200 on eBay.
7. Older Series or Low Serial Numbers from Older Bills
Collectors value older series bills, particularly those from the 1950s and 1960s. For example, a $5 bill from the 1950A series with a low “birthday” serial number (00000087) is currently listed for $425 on eBay.
8. Commemorative or Special Edition Bills
Bills released as part of special editions or commemorations (such as anniversaries or unique designs) often carry extra value. For instance, $100 red-seal notes from 1950A and 1963 are highly collectible.
9. Bills from Rare or Defunct Banks
If a bill was printed by a small or now-defunct bank, it could be worth significantly more than other bills of the same denomination. A $5 bill issued by the First National Bank of Aransas Pass in 1929 sold for $3,360.
10. Historic Bills Worth Thousands
- 1890 Treasury Notes: Extremely rare, with only 14 known examples. One sold for $282,000 in a 2013 auction.
- 1861 Demand Notes: The first paper money issued by the U.S. government. One sold for $138,000 in 2007.
- 1934 Silver Certificates: These $5 silver certificates, especially those with a brown Hawaii seal, can be worth up to $6,000. A North Africa version with a yellow seal has been sold for $1,850.
Check Your Bills with Unique Dollar Checker
If you think you might have a valuable $5 bill, don’t miss out on the opportunity to verify it! Use Unique Dollar Checker to analyze your bills and discover their true worth. Whether it’s a rare serial number or a historic edition, you could be holding a small fortune in your wallet!
