If you’ve got a 2013 $100 bill in your wallet or hidden away in a drawer, don’t be so quick to spend it. Some rare versions of this bill are worth thousands of dollars to collectors.
The reason? Specific printing errors, low serial numbers, or unique design features can turn a seemingly ordinary note into a rare and valuable collectible.
In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly how to identify these rare 2013 $100 bills, why collectors are hunting them down, and how much yours could be worth.
Why the 2013 $100 Bill Is Special
The 2013 series of the $100 bill introduced enhanced security features and a vibrant new design that made it harder to counterfeit. It features:
- A blue 3D security ribbon
- A color-shifting bell inside an inkwell
- A large gold “100” printed vertically on the back
But beyond these features, some 2013 bills became unintentionally rare due to printing mistakes and limited print runs at specific facilities.
Printing Error: The ‘Mule’ Notes of Fort Worth and Washington, D.C.
One of the most valuable variants of the 2013 $100 bill stems from an unusual printing error: the mule note.
These notes were printed in two different facilities — Fort Worth, Texas and Washington, D.C. In a strange oversight, both facilities printed overlapping serial number ranges, making it possible to have duplicate serial numbers from two different locations.
This type of mismatch is extremely rare in modern currency and has caused a surge of interest from currency collectors.
Key Features That Make Your 2013 $100 Bill Valuable
To determine whether your 2013 $100 bill is worth more than face value, check for the following:
| Feature | Why It’s Valuable | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Duplicate Serial Numbers | These are printing anomalies due to the two-facility error | Serial number matching another 2013 bill from a different facility |
| Low Serial Numbers | Notes with numbers like “00000001” to “00000100” are highly prized | Any bill with multiple leading zeroes |
| Star Notes | Printed to replace defective bills — generally rarer | A star “★” at the end of the serial number |
| High-Grade Condition | Bills graded 65+ by PMG or PCGS fetch higher prices | Crisp, uncirculated condition with no folds or marks |
| Serial Number Prefix | Some prefixes like “ML” or “LF” may hold more collector value | Check the first two letters of the serial number |
How Much Could It Be Worth?
Depending on the rarity and condition, some 2013 $100 notes have sold for thousands at auction.
- A duplicate serial number bill can fetch $2,000–$4,500
- A low serial number bill may go for $800–$3,000
- A star note in pristine condition might sell for $500–$1,200
- Uncirculated notes with rare prefixes can command $200+
How to Identify the Printing Facility
To figure out if your bill was printed at Fort Worth (FW) or Washington, D.C., look for tiny letters near the face plate number.
- If the letters “FW” appear before the face plate number, it was printed in Fort Worth
- If there’s no prefix, it’s from Washington, D.C.
Collectors are especially interested in bills from the duplicate serial number batch, which includes notes printed at both facilities with overlapping numbers.
Tips for Selling or Getting a Valuation
If you suspect your 2013 $100 bill might be valuable:
- Do not spend or fold it. Keep it in a protective sleeve.
- Use online auction records to see if similar serial numbers have sold.
- Contact a professional currency grading service like PCGS Currency or PMG to get an official appraisal.
- Join currency forums or collector groups to get free insights.
That 2013 $100 bill in your wallet might just be worth far more than $100. Whether it has a duplicate serial number, a star marking, or is in perfect condition, it could be the key to a small windfall.
As collectors scramble to find these rare notes, now is the perfect time to check your cash stash and see if you’re unknowingly holding onto a valuable piece of modern currency history.
FAQs
What is the most valuable version of the 2013 $100 bill?
The duplicate serial number bills printed at both the Fort Worth and Washington, D.C. facilities are among the most valuable, fetching over $4,000 in some cases.
How do I know if my 2013 $100 bill is a star note?
Look at the end of the serial number. If there’s a star symbol (★) instead of a letter, it’s a star note.
Where can I sell my rare $100 bill?
You can sell through online auction sites, certified currency dealers, or get it graded and listed with professional currency marketplaces.