Which Dollar Bills Should You Look For, That Could Sell on eBay?

 

If you sell on eBay, you probably already know that some of the best inventory can be found in places other people overlook.

And one of those places might be right in your wallet.

I'm talking about dollar bills.

Most dollar bills are worth exactly what they say they are. But every once in a while, you can come across a bill that a collector may be willing to pay more than face value for.

The trick is knowing what to look for.

You don't have to become a paper-money expert overnight. Start by checking the serial numbers and learning a few of the unusual characteristics that collectors look for.

Here are some of the dollar bills I would keep an eye out for.

1. Fancy Serial Numbers

This is probably the easiest place to start.

A fancy serial number is simply a serial number that has an unusual or desirable pattern.

Collectors look for several different types.

Radar Numbers

A radar serial number reads the same forward and backward.

For example:

12344321

or

80000008

These are sometimes called palindrome numbers.

PMG, one of the major paper-money grading companies, specifically recognizes radar serial numbers as a collectible category.

So when you get a $1 bill, don't just look at the picture of George Washington.

Look at the numbers.

2. Repeater Serial Numbers

Repeater numbers are another one to watch for.

These contain a sequence that repeats.

Examples would include:

12121212

12341234

45454545

The pattern catches the eye, and that's exactly what makes these interesting to collectors.

PMG recognizes repeater serial numbers as a specific fancy-serial category.

If you find one, don't spend it before doing a little research.

3. Solid Serial Numbers

This is one of the easiest patterns to recognize.

A solid serial number has the same digit repeated throughout the number.

For example:

77777777

or

88888888

These are much more unusual than an ordinary serial number and can attract collectors.

The condition of the bill matters, too. A crisp, clean example is generally going to be more desirable than one that has been folded, stained and carried around for years.

4. Low Serial Numbers

Pay attention when the serial number starts with a lot of zeros.

Something like:

00000001

would be an extremely interesting find.

Even numbers such as 2 through 10 are recognized as desirable low serial numbers by PMG.

You probably aren't going to find a serial number 1 sitting in your change very often.

But that's part of the fun.

And don't automatically ignore something like:

00000123

The more unusual the number, the more research it deserves.

5. Ladder Serial Numbers

Ladder numbers are another fun category.

These numbers go up or down in sequence.

For example:

12345678

or

87654321

You can also find partial patterns that may be interesting to collectors.

PMG recognizes ascending and descending ladder serial numbers as fancy serial numbers.

Imagine finding a $1 bill with 12345678 on it.

That's a bill I'd definitely set aside before putting it back into circulation.

6. Binary Serial Numbers

Here's one that can be fun to look for.

A binary serial number contains only 0s and 1s.

For example:

10010110

or

10101010

PMG recognizes serial numbers made up exclusively of ones and zeros as binary serial numbers.

Some of these can also combine with other patterns.

For example, a number might be both binary and a repeater.

That's when things can get especially interesting.

7. Star Notes

Now let's look at something different.

Look at the end of the serial number.

You may occasionally find a star instead of the normal letter.

That's called a Star Note.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing explains that Star Notes are replacement notes. When an imperfect sheet is discovered during production, the sheet is replaced rather than reusing the original serial numbers.

A Star Note isn't automatically worth a lot of money.

That's an important point.

But Star Notes are collectible, and some are considerably scarcer than others.

So if you're checking bills for possible eBay inventory, a Star Note deserves a second look.

8. Older Dollar Bills

Don't overlook the age of the bill.

There are many older U.S. notes that collectors are interested in, including older designs, Silver Certificates, United States Notes and other obsolete types.

For example, older United States Notes can be identified by their red seals and red serial numbers. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing notes that United States Notes haven't been issued since 1971.

An old bill isn't necessarily valuable just because it's old.

But old + unusual + good condition is a combination that deserves research.

9. Printing Errors

This is where things can get really interesting.

Occasionally, currency makes it through the printing process with a genuine production error.

A genuine error can potentially make a modern bill much more collectible.

Examples of things collectors look for can include unusual printing problems, misalignments and other production mistakes.

But here's where you need to be careful.

Not every strange-looking bill is an error.

Some bills have been damaged after leaving the government printing facility. Others have been altered by people.

For example, PMG has documented cases of counterfeiters altering serial numbers to make ordinary notes appear to have fancy serial numbers.

So don't assume that something unusual automatically means valuable.

10. Condition Matters

Here's something that new sellers sometimes overlook.

Finding an interesting serial number is only part of the equation.

Condition matters.

A crisp, clean, nearly uncirculated bill is going to be much more attractive to collectors than the same serial number on a bill that looks like it has been through a washing machine.

So if you find something interesting:

Don't fold it.

Don't write on it.

Don't put tape on it.

Don't laminate it.

And don't run it through your pocket for another six months.

Put it somewhere safe while you research it.

How I Would Check Dollar Bills

If I were looking for these as potential eBay inventory, I wouldn't make it complicated.

Every time I received a $1 bill, I'd quickly look at:

1. The serial number

Is it low?

Is it repeating?

Is it a radar?

Is it a ladder?

Is it all the same number?

Does it contain only 0s and 1s?

2. The star

Is there a star at the end of the serial number?

3. The date and series

Is it an older series or an unusual issue?

4. The condition

Is the bill unusually crisp and clean?

5. Anything unusual about the printing

Does something appear to be genuinely wrong with the way the bill was produced?

Then—and this is important—I would research the exact bill before listing it.

Don't Believe Every "Rare Dollar Bill" Story You See Online

This is probably the most important advice I can give.

You'll find plenty of videos, social-media posts and eBay listings claiming that certain ordinary dollar bills are worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Don't take the asking price as proof of value.

An item being listed for $500 doesn't mean somebody is willing to pay $500 for it.

Look for actual sold prices when researching an eBay listing.

And compare your bill carefully.

The denomination, series, serial number, condition and exact variety can all make a difference.

The Best Part? It Doesn't Cost Anything to Look

That's what I like about this kind of treasure hunting.

You don't necessarily have to go to a flea market.

You don't need a storage unit.

You don't need to buy a box of inventory.

You can start with the money already passing through your hands.

The next time somebody hands you a dollar bill, take a second look.

You might find an ordinary dollar.

Or you might find a bill with a serial number that makes you stop and say:

"Wait a minute... I need to look this one up."

And if you're an eBay seller, that's when the hunt gets interesting.

Because sometimes the difference between spending a dollar and selling a dollar isn't the dollar itself.

It's knowing what you're holding.

Thanks for reading and good luck finding the big ones.

Tom