A Surprising Find in Everyday Cash
Last week, a grocery store clerk in Boise, Idaho, found a $100 bill that turned out to be worth far more than its face value. Sarah Miller, a 29-year-old cashier, noticed something odd about the bill while sorting cash at the end of her shift. The bill had a strange printing mistake, and after some research, experts confirmed it was a rare error worth up to $77,000. This discovery has people across the country checking their wallets for similar treasures.
What Makes This Bill Special
The $100 bill in question is from the 2013 series and has a printing error known as a “ladder note.” This happens when the serial number on the bill forms a sequential pattern, like 12345678 or 87654321. Only a tiny fraction of bills have this error due to a glitch in the printing process at the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Collectors prize these bills for their rarity and unique look.
| Feature | Standard $100 Bill | Ladder Note Error |
|---|---|---|
| Serial Number | Random Numbers | Sequential (e.g., 12345678) |
| Estimated Rarity | Common | 1 in 10 Million |
How the Error Was Spotted
Miller, who has worked at the grocery store for three years, said the bill caught her eye because the serial number looked “too perfect.” She showed it to her manager, who suggested contacting a local coin and currency shop. The shop owner immediately recognized the ladder pattern and sent the bill to the American Numismatic Association for verification. Experts confirmed it was a genuine ladder note in excellent condition, boosting its value significantly.
Why Collectors Are Excited
Currency collectors are buzzing about the find. Ladder notes are among the most sought-after errors because they’re so hard to find. A similar $100 ladder note sold for $77,000 at auction last year, and experts believe Miller’s bill could fetch a similar price. Major auction houses, like Stack’s Bowers Galleries, have already expressed interest in featuring the bill in their next event, set for December 2025.
| Auction Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Auction House | Stack’s Bowers Galleries |
| Estimated Value | Up to $77,000 |
| Auction Date | December 2025 |
A Boost for the Local Area
The discovery has brought a wave of excitement to Boise. Miller plans to use any earnings from the bill to pay off student loans and help her parents with home repairs. The grocery store where she works has seen more customers, with some coming in just to talk about the find. Local news outlets are covering the story, and residents are starting to check their own cash for rare errors.
Tips for Finding Your Own Treasure
Experts say anyone could have a valuable bill in their wallet. Look for serial numbers with repeating digits, like 11111111, or ladder patterns. Check both sides of the bill for printing mistakes, such as misaligned numbers or smudged ink. If you think you have a rare bill, contact a professional appraiser or a currency dealer. Even common bills with small errors can be worth hundreds of dollars.
A Chance to Strike It Rich
Miller’s story is a reminder that hidden gems can be hiding in plain sight. As the auction date nears, she’s excited about what the future holds. The $100 bill, once just change from a grocery purchase, could change her life. For now, people everywhere are digging through their wallets, hoping to find their own rare error bill and dreaming of a big payday.