Quick Answer: Most old $100 bills from 1990-2013 are worth $100-$110. Bills from 1928-1988 can be worth $110-$300+. Large-size $100 bills (pre-1929) can be worth $200-$10,000+ depending on type and condition.
Found an old hundred-dollar bill that looks different from today's currency? You might be holding something worth more than face value. Here's your complete guide to old $100 bill values.
$100 Bill Value Quick Reference
| Era | Series | Typical Value |
|---|---|---|
| Current (Color) | 2009-2017A | $100 (face value) |
| Big Head | 1996-2006A | $100-$105 |
| Small Head | 1990-1993 | $105-$115 |
| Older Small Head | 1950-1988A | $110-$175 |
| Early Small Size | 1928-1934 | $150-$500+ |
| Large Size | 1862-1923 | $200-$10,000+ |
| National Bank Notes | Varies | $200-$5,000+ |
Values based on recent Heritage Auctions sales and dealer pricing. We've used CashScan to identify old $100 bills across multiple series, and condition consistently proves to be the biggest factor in value.
Modern $100 Bills (1996-Present)
"Big Head" Design (1996-2013)
In 1996, the $100 bill was redesigned with a larger portrait of Benjamin Franklin, known as the "big head" design.
Features:
- Larger, off-center Franklin portrait
- Watermark
- Color-shifting ink (100 in lower right)
- Security thread
Value:
| Series | Circulated | Uncirculated |
|---|---|---|
| 2006A | $100 | $105-$110 |
| 2006 | $100 | $105-$110 |
| 2003A | $100 | $105-$115 |
| 2003 | $100 | $105-$115 |
| 2001 | $100 | $105-$115 |
| 1999 | $100 | $105-$120 |
| 1996 | $100-$105 | $110-$125 |
Star notes from these series add $5-$25 premium.
New Color Design (2009-Present)
The current $100 bill has a blue 3D security ribbon and color-shifting bell.
Series available:
- 2017A (current)
- 2013
- 2009A
- 2009
Value: These are worth exactly $100 unless they're star notes or have fancy serial numbers.
"Small Head" $100 Bills (1928-1993)
Before the 1996 redesign, $100 bills had a smaller, centered Franklin portrait.
1990s Series (1990-1993)
| Series | Circulated | Uncirculated |
|---|---|---|
| 1993 | $100-$105 | $115-$130 |
| 1990 | $105-$110 | $120-$145 |
These are the last of the "small head" hundreds and attract modest collector interest.
1980s Series (1981-1988A)
| Series | Circulated | Uncirculated |
|---|---|---|
| 1988A | $105-$110 | $125-$150 |
| 1988 | $105-$115 | $130-$160 |
| 1985 | $110-$120 | $140-$175 |
| 1981A | $110-$120 | $140-$175 |
| 1981 | $110-$125 | $150-$200 |
1970s Series (1969-1977)
| Series | Circulated | Uncirculated |
|---|---|---|
| 1977 | $110-$125 | $150-$200 |
| 1974 | $115-$135 | $175-$250 |
| 1969C | $115-$135 | $175-$250 |
| 1969A | $120-$145 | $200-$300 |
| 1969 | $125-$150 | $225-$350 |
1950s-1960s Series
| Series | Circulated | Uncirculated |
|---|---|---|
| 1966A | $125-$175 | $300-$500 |
| 1966 | $120-$160 | $275-$450 |
| 1963A | $115-$150 | $225-$375 |
| 1950E | $120-$160 | $250-$400 |
| 1950D | $115-$150 | $225-$375 |
| 1950C | $115-$150 | $225-$375 |
| 1950B | $115-$155 | $250-$400 |
| 1950A | $120-$165 | $275-$450 |
| 1950 | $125-$175 | $300-$500 |
1928-1934 Series
The earliest small-size $100 bills command significant premiums:
| Series | Circulated | Uncirculated |
|---|---|---|
| 1934A | $125-$200 | $350-$600 |
| 1934 | $135-$225 | $400-$750 |
| 1928A | $150-$275 | $500-$1,000 |
| 1928 | $175-$350 | $600-$1,500 |
Gold Certificates (1928): The 1928 $100 gold certificate is particularly valuable, worth $500-$3,000+ depending on condition.
Large Size $100 Bills (Pre-1929)
Before 1929, all U.S. currency was larger (approximately 7.42" × 3.13" vs. today's 6.14" × 2.61").
Types of Large-Size $100 Bills
| Type | Era | Value Range |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Reserve Notes | 1914-1918 | $200-$1,500 |
| Federal Reserve Bank Notes | 1915-1918 | $400-$3,000 |
| Gold Certificates | 1882-1922 | $300-$10,000+ |
| Silver Certificates | 1878-1891 | $500-$15,000+ |
| Legal Tender Notes | 1862-1880 | $400-$8,000+ |
| Treasury Notes | 1890-1891 | $1,000-$20,000+ |
| National Bank Notes | Various | $200-$5,000+ |
Notable Large-Size $100 Bills
1890 Treasury Note ("Watermelon Note"): Named for the watermelon-shaped zeros on the back. One of the most sought-after U.S. notes.
- Value: $5,000-$200,000+ depending on condition
1880 Legal Tender Note: Beautiful design with intricate engraving.
- Value: $500-$8,000+
1882 Gold Certificate: Features eagle and gold-colored ink.
- Value: $400-$10,000+
National Bank Notes ($100)
Many $100 bills were issued by national banks with the bank's name printed on them. Values depend heavily on the issuing bank:
| Bank Type | Value Range |
|---|---|
| Common large city banks | $200-$500 |
| Medium city banks | $400-$1,500 |
| Small town banks | $750-$5,000+ |
| Rare territorial banks | $2,000-$25,000+ |
What Makes an Old $100 Bill Valuable?
1. Series and Type
Older = more valuable (generally):
- Pre-1929 large-size bills are most valuable
- 1928-1934 small-size bills have solid premiums
- 1950s-1960s bills have modest premiums
- 1990s bills are barely above face value
2. Condition
Condition dramatically affects value:
| Grade | Description | Value Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Uncirculated | Never folded, crisp | 100% of catalog value |
| About Uncirculated | One light fold | 60-75% |
| Extremely Fine | 2-3 light folds | 40-55% |
| Very Fine | Several folds, still crisp | 25-40% |
| Fine | Moderate circulation | 15-25% |
| Very Good | Heavy wear | 10-15% |
3. Star Notes
Star notes (★ at end of serial number) add premiums:
- Modern star notes: 5-15% premium
- Older series stars: 25-100%+ premium
- Rare series stars: 2-5x regular note value
4. Serial Number
Fancy serial numbers add value:
- Low numbers (00000001-00000100): $200-$1,000+ premium
- Solid numbers (88888888): $500-$3,000+ premium
- Ladders (12345678): $300-$1,000+ premium
- Radar/Palindromes: $50-$200 premium
5. Federal Reserve District
Some districts produced fewer notes:
- Scarce districts (Minneapolis, etc.) command slight premiums
- Common districts (New York, Chicago) are most available
How to Evaluate Your Old $100 Bill
Step 1: Identify the Series
Look for the series year on the front of the bill, typically near the bottom right of the portrait.
Step 2: Check the Size
- Large size (pre-1929): 7.42" × 3.13" - Definitely valuable
- Small size (1929-present): 6.14" × 2.61" - Check other factors
Step 3: Determine the Type
Look for these words on the front:
- "Federal Reserve Note" (most common)
- "Gold Certificate" (valuable)
- "Silver Certificate" (valuable)
- "United States Note" (collectible)
- "National Currency" with bank name (collectible)
Step 4: Assess Condition
Be honest about folds, stains, tears, and overall crispness. This significantly affects value.
Step 5: Look for Special Features
- Star in serial number?
- Fancy serial number pattern?
- Any printing errors?
Step 6: Scan with CashScan
Use the CashScan app to instantly identify your bill's series and get detailed information about its characteristics.
Where to Sell Valuable $100 Bills
For Bills Worth $100-$200
- Local coin shops (quick but lower prices)
- eBay (larger audience)
- Currency dealer websites
For Bills Worth $200-$1,000
- Heritage Auctions
- Stack's Bowers
- Specialized currency dealers
- Consider getting it graded first
For Bills Worth $1,000+
- Major auction houses
- High-end numismatic dealers
- Definitely get it professionally graded by PCGS Currency or PMG
Frequently Asked Questions
Are old $100 bills still valid?
Yes! All U.S. currency remains legal tender regardless of age. You can deposit or spend any genuine $100 bill at face value.
Should I clean my old $100 bill?
Never. Cleaning damages notes and destroys collector value. Collectors want original, untouched condition.
How can I tell if my old $100 is real?
Check for:
- Proper paper texture (cotton/linen blend)
- Correct printing quality
- Security features for that era
- Consistent serial numbers
Why is Ben Franklin on the $100?
Benjamin Franklin is on the $100 because of his significance as a Founding Father, diplomat, inventor, and contributor to American independence, despite never being president.
Are consecutive serial number $100 bills valuable?
Consecutive bills from normal circulation aren't worth more. However, a consecutive run of star notes or fancy serial numbers would be valuable.
Conclusion
Most old $100 bills are worth at least face value plus a modest collector premium. The truly valuable pieces are pre-1929 large-size notes and early small-size series (1928-1934), especially in high grades. Also check out our guides on silver certificate values and rare dollar bills worth money. If you collect coins alongside bills, CoinID can help you identify and value coins from the same era.
Before spending that old $100 bill, take a moment to check its series, condition, and any special features. You might have a $200 bill, or even a $2,000 bill, in your hands.
Have an old $100 bill? Scan it with CashScan to instantly identify the series and learn about its history and potential value.
Download CashScan free on the App Store to identify any banknote.
