Could a $100 bill in your wallet be worth $85,000? A rare $100 bill with a misaligned seal error recently sold for this huge amount at auction, and similar bills could still be in circulation in 2025! This ordinary-looking bill, featuring Benjamin Franklin, has a printing mistake that makes it a collector’s treasure. In this guide, we’ll show you how to identify this valuable $100 bill, why it’s so special, and what to do if you find one. Start checking your cash—you might have a fortune!
What Is a $100 Bill With a Misaligned Seal?
The $100 Federal Reserve Note, with Benjamin Franklin on the front and Independence Hall on the back, is a common bill used every day. Printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, it includes a green Treasury seal, serial numbers, and security features like a 3D ribbon. Most $100 bills are worth face value, but a rare error where the Treasury seal is misaligned—shifted off-center or overlapping other elements—makes some bills highly valuable. One such bill sold for $85,000 due to its unique error and rarity.
Why Is the Misaligned Seal $100 Bill Valuable?
This bill’s value comes from:
- Printing Error: The misaligned Treasury seal, a rare mistake, makes the bill stand out.
- Rarity: Few bills with this error escape quality checks and enter circulation.
- Condition: Crisp, uncirculated bills (graded MS-67 or higher) fetch the highest prices.
- Collector Demand: Error bills are prized, with one 2017A series bill reportedly selling for $85,000 at auction in 2025.
How to Spot a Rare $100 Bill With Misaligned Seal
Here’s how to check your $100 bills for this valuable error:
Step 1: Check the Series Year
Look at the front of the bill for the series year, usually near Franklin’s portrait. Focus on newer series like 2017A or 2013, as recent auctions highlight errors in these years. However, older series like 1969 or 1934 can also have misaligned seals, so don’t skip them.
Step 2: Examine the Treasury Seal
Find the green Treasury seal to the right of Franklin’s portrait, above the word “ONE HUNDRED.” On a normal bill, the seal is centered and aligned with the design. A misaligned seal is shifted up, down, or sideways, sometimes overlapping Franklin’s face or serial numbers. Use a magnifying glass to spot the error clearly.
Step 3: Look for Additional Errors
Some misaligned seal bills have other errors that boost value:
- Ink Smears: Extra ink or blurry printing on the seal or elsewhere.
- Miscut: Uneven borders or misaligned design elements.
- Serial Number Errors: Mismatched or inverted serial numbers (e.g., upside-down numbers).
A 2017A $100 bill with a misaligned seal and ink smear was listed on eBay, showing these errors are noticeable.
Step 4: Assess the Condition
Valuable bills are crisp, with no folds, tears, or stains. Check for sharp details in Franklin’s portrait or the Independence Hall design. Uncirculated bills graded MS-67 or higher by PMG or PCGS can fetch $2,000-$85,000, depending on the error’s visibility.
| Feature | Details | Value (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Series Year | 2017A, 2013, or Older (e.g., 1969) | – |
| Error | Misaligned Treasury Seal | $500-$85,000 |
| Additional Error | Ink Smears, Miscut, Serial Number Error | $1,000-$85,000+ |
| Condition | Uncirculated (MS-67 or Higher) | Up to $85,000 |
| Federal Reserve Bank | Any, Often “B” (New York) | Varies by Rarity |
Where to Find the Misaligned Seal $100 Bill
You might find this rare bill in:
- Wallet or Change: Check bills from ATMs, stores, or vending machines.
- Cash Registers: Businesses like gas stations or shops may have these in their drawers.
- Old Stashes: Look in piggy banks, envelopes, or family collections.
- Flea Markets: Check currency lots at auctions or estate sales.
A 2013 $100 bill with a misaligned seal was found in a store’s cash register, later valued at thousands, proving these bills are still circulating.
What to Do If You Find One
If you think you’ve found a misaligned seal $100 bill:
- Don’t Spend It: Keep it safe to preserve its value.
- Handle Carefully: Use gloves or a bill sleeve to avoid damage.
- Verify the Error: Compare the seal to a regular $100 bill to confirm misalignment.
- Get It Graded: Send it to PMG or PCGS for authentication and grading.
- Sell Smart: Use auction houses (e.g., Heritage Auctions), currency dealers, or eBay after grading.
Tips for Bill Hunting in 2025
To increase your chances:
- Check Every $100 Bill: Focus on 2017A or 2013 series for recent errors.
- Use a Magnifier: A 5x or 10x magnifying glass helps spot misaligned seals or ink smears.
- Join Currency Groups: Forums like PaperMoneyGuide.com or Reddit’s r/papermoney share tips.
- Look for Patterns: Check serial numbers for low or fancy patterns (e.g., 12344321) to add value.
Debunking the $1.2 Million Myth
Some sources claim a $100 bill with errors sold for $1.2 million, often citing a 1969 bill with an inverted serial and misaligned seal. However, verified sales show a 2017A $100 bill with a misaligned seal reaching $85,000 in 2025. Claims of higher values may be exaggerated, so always get bills graded to confirm authenticity.
Conclusion
A $100 bill with a misaligned seal could turn your everyday cash into a fortune. This rare printing error, where the Treasury seal is off-center, makes these bills highly sought after, with one selling for $85,000 in 2025. Check your wallet, cash registers, or old stashes with a magnifying glass for this error. Handle finds carefully, get them graded by PMG or PCGS, and sell through trusted channels. With a bit of luck, your next $100 bill could be a life-changing treasure. Start searching today!
FAQs
What makes a $100 bill with a misaligned seal valuable?
The misaligned Treasury seal, a rare printing error, makes it valuable due to its scarcity and appeal to collectors, with values up to $85,000.
How do I spot a misaligned seal $100 bill?
Check the series year (e.g., 2017A or 2013) and look for a green Treasury seal shifted off-center or overlapping Franklin’s portrait using a magnifying glass.
How much is a misaligned seal $100 bill worth?
Circulated bills may be worth $500-$2,000, while uncirculated bills (MS-67 or higher) can fetch $2,000-$85,000, depending on additional errors.
Where can I find this rare $100 bill?
Look in wallet change, cash registers, old piggy banks, or flea market currency lots. Some have been found in everyday transactions.
Should I clean my bill if it looks valuable?
No, cleaning damages the bill and reduces value. Store it in a protective sleeve and get it graded by PMG or PCGS.
