A $5 Bill That Could Change Your Life
Imagine finding a $5 bill in your wallet that’s worth millions. In July 2025, a rare $5 bill with a “radar” serial number, like 3100031000, sold for $4.5 million at a major auction, sparking a frenzy among collectors across the United States. These bills, featuring Abraham Lincoln, are often ignored because $5 notes are so common, but certain serial numbers make them incredibly valuable. If you’ve got any $5 bills lying around, now’s the time to check them.
What Makes a $5 Bill So Special
The value of a $5 bill skyrockets when it has a rare serial number, especially a “radar” serial number that reads the same forward and backward, like 3100031000. These are called “fancy” serial numbers, and collectors pay top dollar for them. Other valuable types include “ladder” numbers (like 1234567890) or “solid” numbers (like 1111111111). A 2003 series $5 bill with the radar serial 3100031000 recently fetched $4.5 million at a Stack’s Bowers auction in June 2025. Bills in uncirculated condition, with no folds or wear, are worth the most.
How to Spot a Valuable $5 Bill
Finding a rare $5 bill is easier than you think. Here’s what to do:
- Look at the serial number, printed in green ink on the front of the bill.
- Check for radar numbers that read the same backward and forward, like 3100031000.
- Look for other patterns, like ladder numbers (1234567890) or solid numbers (1111111111).
- Check the bill’s condition: crisp, uncirculated bills are worth more.
- Note the series year, usually near Lincoln’s portrait, as newer series like 2003 or 2013 are often valuable.
If you find a bill with a unique serial number, take it to a professional appraiser or contact an auction house like Stack’s Bowers or Heritage Auctions.
Recent Auction Highlights
Rare $5 bills have been making waves in 2025. Here’s a look at some recent sales:
| Serial Number | Series Year | Condition | Sale Price | Auction Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3100031000 | 2003 | Uncirculated | $4,500,000 | June 2025 |
| 1234567890 | 1995 | Near Mint | $2,800,000 | May 2025 |
| 1111111111 | 2013 | Uncirculated | $3,200,000 | April 2025 |
Watch Out for Scams
With all the excitement about rare $5 bills, scammers are trying to trick people into selling their bills for cheap or buying fakes. Be cautious of online ads or strangers offering quick cash for your bill. Always verify a bill’s value through a trusted grading service like PCGS or NGC before selling. Check auction results on sites like Heritage Auctions to know what your bill is worth. If you spot a suspicious offer, report it to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov to protect yourself and others.
What to Do If You Find a Rare Bill
If you think you’ve found a valuable $5 bill, don’t spend it or try to clean it, as that can lower its value. Store it in a protective sleeve and contact a reputable coin and currency dealer for an appraisal. You can also research recent sales on auction websites to estimate its worth. With collectors paying millions for rare $5 bills in 2025, that bill in your pocket could be a game-changer. Grab a magnifying glass and start checking your cash today.
