If you're trying to make extra money online, you might not have to look too far for ways to do it. There are estimated to be 140 million coin and currency collectors in the United States alone, and the more demand there is, the more valuable each bill gets.
If you have any $100 bills lying around, you may want to take a closer look. Several notes have been released that are known to be worth far more than $100.
Make some extra bank by looking for one of these nine valuable bills.
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The first $100 bill
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The first $100 bill was introduced in 1862. As part of an effort to fund the Civil War, this bill displayed a portrait of General Winfield Scott, who was a commanding general during that time in the U.S. Army.
Since then, it has had several different iterations. This is currently valued between $11,000 to $25,000 (or more), according to U.S. Currency Auctions.
$100 updates
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In 1914, a design with Benjamin Franklin was introduced as the first $100 Federal Reserve note — the figure who is still represented on the bill to this day. This can be priced between $3,500 and $8,000 for the red version, or $1,000 to $2,500 for the blue version, according to the U.S. Currency Auctions. In 1928, it was updated to feature Philadelphia's Independence Hall on the reverse side. This can go from $145 to $190.
Since then, the bill has had three notable redesigns: in 1990, 1996, and 2013. These can range in price from $110 to $115. The "In God We Trust" slogan wasn't introduced to the note until 1966.
Pay attention to serial numbers
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One major indicator of value to look for on currency is found in the serial number. Noted patterns in serial numbers and specific numbers are details to pay attention to.
Star notes are replacement notes for damaged and misprinted bills. If there's a star at the end of the series of digits, it's worth at least double its value. If the star is oriented to not point upward, then it could be worth even more.
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The 1934 Star Note
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This note is so important that it's part of the National Museum of American History's collection in Chicago. Depending on the grade of the note, you can regularly fetch between $125 and $175 with no star on it.
With the star – and in pristine condition – this note has garnered $19,550 at auction.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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August is here, and with it comes the final stretch of summer. It’s a great time to soak up the season and scoop up hot deals before they fade. Look for savings on:
- Travel and getaway must-haves
- Back-to-school basics
- Clearance swimwear and warm-weather styles
- For grocery savings, grab peak-season produce, like tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and berries
As retailers shift their focus to fall, August is the last chance to snag summer essentials at unbeatable prices. Shop smart now before the season (and the savings) slip away.
2013 Redesigned Note
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In 2013, the $100 bill was redesigned to enforce additional security measures. The design incorporated a 3-D security ribbon and color-shifting Bell in the Inkwell. The portrait watermark on both sides of the bill is an easy-to-spot indicator of its newness.
The 2013 redesigned series serial number 1 note went for $15,600.
The 1928 Philadelphia Federal Reserve Note
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Known for its bold "Series of 1928" design, the Federal Reserve $100 note from that year is every beady-eyed collector's dream. eBay currently has several listed in varying conditions for up to $500 each.
Finding one with the dark green seal in good condition is a real moneymaker —it was once sold for $28,200 at auction.
1890 $100 'Watermelon' Treasury Note
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Apparently 1890's run of $100 bills featured zeros on the reverse side that resembled watermelons. There are only 35 copies known to be in circulation, and at least eight of those are owned by the government.
Their rarity makes them incredibly valuable, and the most made off of one was $356,500 at auction in 2005.
Palindrome Notes
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If you want to make a good amount of pocket change fast, look through your $100 bills for a serial number that is a palindrome.
No matter how old or in what condition, these will almost always go for more than the $100 that they were originally worth. A newer print is currently up for $1,500 on eBay.
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The Solid Serial Number Note
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Did you know that any $100 bill with a solid serial number, meaning a serial number made of all the same number like "222222" – can go for an absurd amount of money?
It's an extremely rare phenomenon, and bills marked like this can go for over $5,500.
The 2013 Ladder Note
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What made this note so valuable was the fact that its serial number featured digits in ascending order. When notes have particular patterns – in their serial numbers or elsewhere – they are more likely to have some worth to them.
The pattern of "12345678" makes this note worth $4,560.
$100 1882 Gold Certificate
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This 1882 gold certificate series release featured a portrait of Thomas Hart Benton, an incredible American painter.
This note is only known to have three in existence and is now worth over $700,000.
Quick tips: How to prepare for economic uncertainty
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Uncertain times call for a review of expenses that goes beyond simple cost-cutting. Here are some steps for you to consider:
- Build a 6-month emergency fund. Prioritize this above other financial goals.
- Compare rates on big ticket items like auto insurance to make sure you aren't overpaying.
- Delay major purchases when possible.
- Consider a side hustle that can generate income with minimal startup costs.
During challenging economic periods, try to focus on what you can control. And remember that financial resilience isn't built overnight.
1966 Red Seal $100 Bill
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The 1966 bill with a red seal was the first and only small-sized legal tender United States $100 note ever issued. It incorporated the new English language Treasury Seal, and was the longest-issued currency in the history of America.
There is currently one listed for $2,499 online.
Bottom line
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$100 bills are already worth a good chunk of change. but a seal color or misprint could make it more valuable.
You could earn extra income by paying close attention to the details and knowing the difference.
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