Rare Serial Number Worth $66,000:Imagine paying for a cup of coffee with a $5 note—and later discovering that the same note could have sold for $66,000. An extremely rare $5 note with a unique serial number recently fetched that much at auction. This proves once again that even small notes can fetch big money.
This lucrative sale is sparking interest across the country as ordinary people take a closer look at their wallets. Why? Because it’s not a matter of age or rarity of printing—it’s a matter of serial number.
The five-dollar bill that surprised collectors
At first glance, this note looks like any other ordinary five-dollar bill. With a portrait of Abraham Lincoln and a green Treasury seal, there’s nothing visually appealing about it—except for one important detail: the serial number.
This particular note bore a “Super Radar” serial number — a perfectly symmetrical sequence like A12344321A — which is extremely rare in the world of paper currency. Combined with its perfect condition and professional authentication, this $5 note has become a high-value collectible.
Following intense bidding from collectors, the bill sold at auction for a whopping $66,000.
What makes serial numbers valuable?
Serial numbers are printed on every U.S. note, but some combinations are much rarer than others. Collectors call these “fancy serial numbers,” and depending on the pattern, they can dramatically increase the value of the note—sometimes by thousands of dollars.
The most desirable serial number types include:
- Low numbers: 00000001 to 00000100
- Repeaters: 12121212 or 45454545
- Radar: Same forward and backward (example: 12344321 or 10000001)
- Ladder: Full ascending or descending (example: 12345678 or 87654321)
- Solid: All one digit (example: 5555555)
- Binary: Use only two digits (example: 01010101)
- Birthday notes: Dates like 07041976 (July 4, 1976) or 12252000 (Christmas 2000)
The rarer and more visually exquisite the sequence, the higher the potential value – especially if the bill is in uncirculated condition.
How to spot rare serial numbers on your $5 bill
You don’t need an expert to check your notes. Just follow these simple steps:
- Find the serial number
It’s written in green ink on the front of the note—in the upper right and lower left corners.
2. Look for patterns
Check for symmetry, repetition or other interesting sequences in the numbers.
3. Check the condition
Notes that are clean, clear and uncirculated are worth more.
4.Use online tools
Websites like MyCurrencyCollection.com and CoolSerialNumbers.com offer serial number guides and rarity checkers.
5.Get it appraised
If you think you’ve found something valuable, consider getting it appraised by a professional currency authentication service like PMG or PCGS Currency.
Where to sell a note with a rare serial number
If you find a potentially valuable note, you have several options:
- eBay or online auctions (for faster promotion)
- Specialist currency dealers
- Numismatic forums and collectors groups
- Major auction houses such as Heritage Auctions or Stacks Bowers
When listing or making an inquiry be sure to include high-resolution photographs and details about the serial number, series year and condition.
Final Thoughts
The recent sale of a $5 note for $66,000 is an exciting reminder that true value can lurk somewhere. Although most $5 notes are worth exactly $5, a rare serial number and good condition can make it a collector’s dream.
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