Paper Money that will really tickle your “Fancy!”
Awhile back, we wrote to you about the different issues of paper money, and mentioned the different types of serial numbers that some collectors seek out. Known as “fancy” notes for their intriguing number patterns, these pieces hold a special place in the hearts of their owners! Now, I’d like to give you a closer look at what fancy notes are, and why collectors love them.
Each modern U.S. note issued features an 8-digit serial number, from 00000001 to 99999999. That means there are a lot of combinations out there! The most popular fancy number combinations with collectors are:
A $1 “ladder” note
Ladder – Ladder notes are those that feature numbers either ascending (23456789) or descending (76543210).
A $1 “radar” note
Radar – These notes display serial numbers that read the same forward or backward, just like the word RADAR. So, for example, 12344321 or 58233285.
A $1 “repeater” note
Repeater – Just like the name indicates, these notes repeat the same two to four numbers. Both 56565656 and 45674567 are examples of repeater serial numbers.
A $1 “binary” note
Binary – Binary serial numbers feature only two digits – like 10011000 or 11818881. These two digits can repeat randomly throughout the serial number.
A $1 “matching” note
Matching – These notes feature identical digits consecutively placed within the serial number. The ultimate find in a matching note is a solid – with all eight digits the same!
Dates – Collectors even look for dates in serial numbers! They can range from the well-known (07041776) to a special birthday or anniversary date.
Finding these fancies can be challenging, but it’s a fun and rewarding pursuit! The best part is that you can really customize your collection and make it uniquely yours. Have you ever spotted a “fancy” serial number on a note, or do you collect them? If you’ve discovered one of these notes before, I’d love to hear your story below. And if you haven’t, be on the lookout – you never know when one will be waiting in your wallet!
I have a series 2017A $20 dollar bill …is this a fancy note….08060507
Hi Donna, unfortunately no. Sorry. Have a good day! -Rick
I have a 1977 One Dollar Bill that has the serial numbers as follows…
95555599
Nice one Kelly! Definitely a keeper!
Donna I hope you can help. I have a$10 bill with a unique date. It’s the day that the music died. 02031959. I have tried finding a venue that would bring the most for it assuming I have an idea of its worth, which I don’t. I have nev left really sold bills despite having lots of fancies.
I would be indebted to you if u can help me figure this out. Thank you for the efforts to educate us novices.
That’s a great note Tom! I imagine you’d need to find someone who’s both a collector of US paper money AND a real fan of rock n roll to get the most from it. Unfortunately we don’t provide value info on errors or notes like yours, with a unique date. So, I’m sorry we can’t tell you what it may be worth, but I would recommend you pick up a copy of Coin World magazine. Inside, there are a number of companies & individuals that advertise who specialize in notes like yours. I’m sure you can find out more on the value of your note through one of those folks. Good luck!
I have a series 1995 $1.00 bill with the serial numbers H88882888. I was extra excited to find it is from the 8th United States Federal District Bank.
That’s a lot of 8’s Stanley! Nice find!
Hi guys! I was hoping you could help me out with (what I would think is) a fancy serial number, it’s a 2017 1$ note, #32103210. Any chance you could tell me if it’s worth anything over face value, if it is, a ballpark idea of its value, and where to go with it?
Thanks y’all!
_mike
Hi Michael, nice find. It’s called a “repeater” note. To find the value or to sell your US coins or notes, you can contact our Coin Buying Department. https://www.littletoncoin.com/shop/Coins-To-Sell . They are also available by phone from 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday. The telephone number is 1-877-857-7850.
I have a 100 note that has 4 pair 90093737 any chance it’s worth over face value
Thanks for stopping by Kyle! While your notes’ serial number is pretty cool, unfortunately it’s not cool enough to be considered a fancy serial number. Keep searching & good luck!