Low Serial Numbers

Low serial numbers are notes numbered from 00000001 through 00001000 (and some collectors extend this to 00010000). These notes are highly sought because they were printed first in each production run and represent the beginning of a series.

The Prestige of Low Numbers

Low serials appeal to collectors for several psychological and practical reasons:

• First-in-run status – These notes were literally the first printed in a new series or district run
• Historical significance – Lowest numbers connect to production history
• Bragging rights – Owning a single-digit or double-digit note is a badge of honor in collecting circles
• Natural rarity – Only 1,000 low serials exist per denomination per series year per district per suffix combination

Tiered Rarity Within Low Serials

Not all low serials are equally valuable. The lower the number, the rarer and more valuable it is:

• 00000001 – The absolute holy grail; theoretically one exists per denomination per series per district per suffix. Asking prices can exceed $10,000.
• 00000002 through 00000009 – Extremely rare, worth $1,000-$5,000+ each
• 00000010 through 00000099 – Very rare, worth $500-$2,000
• 00000100 through 00001000 – Rare but more accessible, worth $50-$500

Finding Low Serials in Circulation

The primary challenge in collecting low serials is that they were among the first notes printed decades ago. Most are not in circulation anymore—they've been spent, lost, damaged, or preserved in collections. Serious low serial collectors:

• Check all currency they receive in change (unlikely but possible)
• Purchase from specialized currency dealers
• Participate in auction houses like Heritage Auctions or Stack's Bowers
• Attend currency shows and conventions

Condition Premium

Condition dramatically affects the value of low serials. A circulated 00000001 $1 bill might be worth $2,000-$4,000, while the same note in uncirculated condition could be worth $10,000 or more. Professionally graded, uncirculated single-digits from desirable years can exceed $15,000.

Print Year Significance

Low serials from certain years command higher premiums. Older series (pre-1990) are valued more highly because fewer survive in decent condition. Low serials from recent print years are more available but still carry significant premiums.