Rare Dollar Bill Value Calculator

Find out if your $1 bill is worth more than face value

Got an old or unusual dollar bill? It might be worth more than you think. From rare serial numbers to discontinued seal types and special print runs, some $1 bills are sought after by collectors. Based on your answers, we’ll estimate how valuable your bill might be.

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A close up image of a 1 dollar bill.

How to Tell if a $1 Bill Is Valuable

Most dollar bills are only worth a dollar—but a rare few are worth far more. Collectors look for specific combinations of features that make a bill stand out. If your dollar bill matches any of these traits, it might be time to check its value:

  • Old Series Dates: Bills from the 1920s to 1960s are often more collectible, especially if they're in good shape.
  • Unusual Seals: Most $1 bills have green seals, but red, blue, brown, or yellow ones can indicate older or military issues.
  • Rare Serial Numbers: Fancy numbers like low serials (00000001), repeating digits, or palindromes are highly prized.
  • Star Notes: These replace misprinted bills and are marked with a star at the end of the serial number.
  • Condition Matters: A crisp, uncirculated bill is worth much more than a worn one—even if they're the same series.


Even small details can dramatically change a bill's value. So hang on to that weird-looking dollar—it might be worth more than lunch!

About This Article

Dean Kinzer
Co-authored by:
Numismatics Expert
This article was co-authored by Dean Kinzer and by wikiHow staff writer, Caroline Heiderscheit. Dean Kinzer is a Numismatics Expert. He is a specialist in ancient coins and is the founder of Kinzer Coins, a rare ancient coin dealership and educational coin resource hub. At Kinzer Coins, Dean has built the premier destination for authenticated ancient coins from Roman, Greek, Byzantine, and Biblical periods. Kinzer Coins’ mission is to bring history to life by connecting their clients with the legacy of ancient civilizations through authentic coins. He hosts the Ancient Coin Hour Podcast, which connects his audience directly with leading numismatists and ancient coin experts. The podcast helps listeners avoid common pitfalls while building an investment-grade collection that appreciates in both financial and historical value. Dean’s father was a numismatics expert himself, and taught Dean to recognize authentic ancient artifacts, understand their historical significance, and connect people with tangible pieces of history. He received a Master's Degree from Northern Illinois University with a Certificate in Leadership. This article has been viewed 2,663 times.
23 votes - 43%
Co-authors: 3
Updated: September 19, 2025
Views: 2,663
Categories: Collecting
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,663 times.

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