Understanding Federal Reserve Serial Numbers

Reading the Serial Number Format

Modern Federal Reserve Notes use a serial number format that starts with a prefix letter identifying the issuing Federal Reserve Bank district:

• ✦A — Boston | B — New York | C — Philadelphia | D — Cleveland
• ✦E — Richmond | F — Atlanta | G — Chicago | H — St. Louis
• ✦I — Minneapolis | J — Kansas City | K — Dallas | L — San Francisco

Star Notes (★)

When the Bureau of Engraving and Printing prints a replacement for a defective note, the replacement carries a star (★) symbol in place of the final letter suffix. Star notes are printed in smaller quantities than regular issues and are sought after by collectors. Low-run star notes — especially those from low-production districts or specific series years — can be worth multiples of the same regular issue.

Fancy Serial Numbers Collectors Prize

Certain serial number patterns command significant premiums with collectors. The rarer and more striking the pattern, the higher the premium:

• ✦Solid — All 8 digits are the same: 11111111, 44444444. Among the most valuable fancy serials.
• ✦Low Serial — Numbers like 00000001 through 00000100. The closer to 00000001, the more valuable.
• ✦Ladder — Sequential digits: 12345678 or 87654321.
• ✦Radar — Reads the same forwards and backwards: 12344321.
• ✦Repeater — First four digits repeat: 12341234.
• ✦Super Repeater — Two digits alternate: 12121212.
• ✦Rotator — Reads the same when rotated 180°.
• ✦Birthday Notes — Serial matches a date format: 01041923 (January 4, 1923).

How Much Are Fancy Serials Worth?

Value varies enormously based on denomination, series, condition, and rarity of the pattern. A solid serial $1 note in circulated condition might fetch $200–$500. The same pattern on a $100 bill in Uncirculated condition could be worth thousands. Low serials (00000001) on any denomination are extremely rare and highly valued. Always check current sales of comparable notes before buying or selling a fancy serial.