Low Serial Number
Bill Value Guide
Serial numbers like 00000001 or 00000088 can sell for thousands. Check if you're holding a Trophy Note.
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The Three Tiers of Low Serial Numbers
Not every low number is a jackpot — there's a massive value gap between a 00000001 and a 00000999. Here's how collectors tier them.
Low Serial Number Value Guide (2025)
| Serial Range | Example | Circulated ($1) | Uncirculated ($1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Trophy) | 00000001 | $3,000 – $8,000 | $8,000 – $15,000+ |
| 2 – 9 (Trophy) | 00000005 | $1,500 – $3,000 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Under 100 | 00000088 | $50 – $200 | $200 – $500 |
| Under 1,000 | 00000734 | $15 – $40 | $40 – $100 |
Values climb significantly on higher denominations — a 00000001 on a $100 bill can reach $20,000+ at auction. Low Star Notes roughly double these figures.
Why Are Low Numbers So Collectible?
Low serial numbers are the first bills printed in a run. Many of the earliest examples (especially 00000001) are reserved by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, given to dignitaries, or pulled for museums — so very few ever enter circulation. When one does surface, demand is immediate and intense.
💡 Low Number + Another Fancy Pattern = Jackpot
A low number that's also a Radar (00000000 n/a but 00011000 yes) or on a Star Note can double or triple in value. The rarest combos — Low Trophy + Star + Solid-adjacent — have sold for $50,000+ at Heritage Auctions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about collecting fancy serial numbers.
What counts as a Low serial number?
Collectors generally break Low serial numbers into three tiers: Trophy Notes (under 10, e.g., 00000001), Very Low (under 100, e.g., 00000088), and Low (under 1000, e.g., 00000734). The lower the number, the higher the premium — and anything under 10 is considered exceptional.
How much is a Low serial number bill worth?
Serial 00000001 Trophy Notes can sell for $5,000–$15,000+ depending on denomination. Numbers under 100 typically sell for $50–$500. Numbers under 1,000 fetch $15–$100. Low Star Notes double these figures.
What is a 'Trophy Note'?
A Trophy Note is a bill with a single-digit serial number (00000001 through 00000009) — the very first notes printed for a given series and district. These are extremely rare in circulation and are typically sold through major auction houses rather than eBay.
Do letters in the serial matter for Low Numbers?
Yes. Modern US bills have prefix letters indicating Federal Reserve district and series. A low number from a popular district (like Philadelphia 'C' or New York 'B') may command slightly higher prices than the same number from a less-collected district.
How do I verify my Low serial number is authentic?
Low serial numbers are highly targeted by counterfeiters when they accompany rare series. For any note valued over $500, we recommend professional grading by PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) or PCGS Currency. Graded notes also sell for 2–3× more than ungraded equivalents.
Where should I sell a Low serial number note?
For numbers under 100 valued over $500, use Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers — they reach serious collectors willing to pay premiums. For Low numbers in the 100–999 range, eBay works well. Always include high-resolution scans of the front, back, and serial number close-up.
Have a specific question not answered here? Check our detailed Value Guide above.