How a Regular $10 Bill Turned Into $1,440
A recent viral story shocked collectors when a simple-looking $10 bill with serial number 01234567 sold for an incredible $1,440 — that’s 144x its face value! 
These rare notes, known as “ladder bills” or “fancy serial numbers,” are making waves among collectors. Here’s how to check if your cash could secretly be worth thousands. 
What Makes This Bill So Valuable?
The “Ascending Ladder” Phenomenon
- Serial Number:
01234567(perfect sequential rise) - Rarity Level: 1 in 96 million bills
- Collector Appeal: Highly sought after for “fancy serial” registry sets
Recent Sales of Rare Ladder Notes
| Serial Pattern | Denomination | Sale Price | Sold Via |
|---|---|---|---|
01234567 |
$10 | $1,440 | Heritage Auctions |
87654321 |
$20 | $2,800 | eBay |
12345678 |
$1 | $900 | Currency Forum |
Fun Fact: Some “descending ladder” notes (87654321) sell for double the ascending version!
How to Check Your Bills — 3 Easy Steps
Serial Number Scan
Look for any of these 7 valuable patterns 
- Perfect Ladders:
01234567
or 76543210
- Radars / Super Radars:
12344321,87655678 - Repeaters:
45454545,12121212 - Super Repeaters:
88888888(major premium!) - Binary Notes:
01010101,10101010 - Low Numbers:
00000015,00000001 - Star Notes: End with a ★ (star) symbol
Tip: The rarer the pattern — and the cleaner the bill — the higher the price.
Condition Check
| Condition | Value Multiplier |
|---|---|
 Crisp Uncirculated (CU) |
5x–10x face value |
 No folds or stains |
Required for top-dollar value |
 Circulated / Worn |
May cut value in half |
Store bills in protective sleeves to avoid creases and smudges.
Certification (Optional but Recommended)
- PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) or PCGS Currency adds 30–50% resale value
- Certification Cost: $25–$50 per note
- Perfect for high-end bills worth $500+
Where to Sell Rare Serial Number Bills
| Bill Value Range | Best Platform | Typical Fees |
|---|---|---|
 $300–$1,000 |
eBay | 12.9% |
 $1,000–$5,000 |
Heritage Currency | 15% |
| $5,000+ |
Stack’s Bowers | 10% |
Pro Tip: When listing online, include keywords like:
“CHASE FANCY SERIAL”
“LOW PRINT RUN STAR NOTE”
“LADDER BILL RARE CURRENCY”
Real-World Success Stories
2023: A waiter discovered a $1 bill with serial 00000007 in a tip jar — sold it for $3,200!
2024: A lucky collector found a $20 bill with serial 87654321 in a birthday card — sold for $2,800.
These finds prove: 
Always check your money before you spend it!
