Ladder Serial Number
Checker & Value Guide
A True Ladder — 12345678 or 87654321 — is one of the rarest patterns in US currency, worth $1,000+. Check yours now.
Enter Your USD Serial Number
True Ladder vs Near Ladder
A Ladder serial number contains digits that climb or descend in sequence. Only two possible True Ladders exist — understanding the difference determines whether your bill is worth $50 or $5,000.
Perfect 1→8 sequence. One of two True Ladders.
Perfect 8→1 sequence. The only other True Ladder.
Ladder Value Guide (2025)
| Type | Example | Circulated ($1) | Uncirculated ($1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| True Ladder | 12345678 | $1,000 – $3,000 | $3,000 – $6,000+ |
| Near Ladder (7 sequential) | 01234567 | $30 – $80 | $80 – $200 |
| Near Ladder (off-by-one) | 12345679 | $20 – $50 | $50 – $150 |
| True Ladder + Star Note | 12345678* | $2,500 – $5,000 | $6,000 – $12,000+ |
Why Are True Ladders So Rare?
There are exactly 2 True Ladder serial numbers out of every 100,000,000 possible 8-digit combinations — one ascending, one descending. That works out to roughly 1 in 50 million, making True Ladders one of the scarcest fancy patterns in US currency.
Because the pattern is so visually clean and the rarity so extreme, True Ladders rarely appear in circulation — most are snapped up by collectors or sold directly at auction houses.
💡 What Counts as a "Near Ladder"?
Our checker flags Near Ladders when 7 of 8 digits form a perfect ascending or descending sequence. Examples: 01234567, 12345670, 23456789. These are still collectible but priced 10–50× lower than True Ladders.
Related patterns
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about collecting fancy serial numbers.
What is a Ladder serial number?
A Ladder serial number has digits that climb or descend in perfect sequence. A True Ladder reads either 12345678 (ascending) or 87654321 (descending). Near Ladders (like 23456789 or 12345679) contain 7 sequential digits but miss perfect continuity.
How much is a True Ladder worth?
True Ladders (12345678 or 87654321) are among the rarest fancy serial numbers. A True Ladder on a $1 bill typically sells for $1,000–$3,000 circulated and $3,000–$6,000+ uncirculated. On higher denominations, prices climb proportionally.
What is a Near Ladder?
A Near Ladder is a serial number that contains a run of 7 sequential digits but isn't a perfect True Ladder — for example 01234567, 12345670, or 23456789. Near Ladders are much more common than True Ladders and typically sell for $30–$150.
How rare is a True Ladder?
Extremely rare — only 2 possible True Ladder serial numbers exist per 100,000,000 notes (one ascending, one descending). That's roughly 1 in 50 million. Most collectors will never find one in circulation.
Is 00000000 or 99999999 a Ladder?
No — those are Solid serial numbers, a different (also valuable) fancy type. A Ladder specifically requires sequential digits. Check our solid serial number page for values on those.
Does the direction matter (ascending vs descending)?
Not significantly for value — both 12345678 and 87654321 are considered True Ladders and command similar premiums. Some collectors slightly prefer ascending (12345678) as the 'classic' version.
Have a specific question not answered here? Check our detailed Value Guide above.