Vintage currency holds a certain fascination, and finding an old $100 bill from 1934 might make you think you've hit the jackpot. While it's a fascinating piece of history, the actual value of your $100 bill depends on a few crucial factors.

What to Look For

• Condition: The condition of the bill is the most significant factor determining its value. A pristine, uncirculated bill in perfect condition will attract the highest prices. Bills with tears, folds, fading, or stains will be less valuable to collectors.
• Serial Number: Special serial numbers such as low numbers (e.g., 00000001), star notes (a star symbol replacing a letter in the serial number), or repeating numbers can increase the value.
• Type: 1934 $100 bills generally feature a green seal and come from various Federal Reserve districts. Certain district variations might be slightly more desirable to collectors.

Value Guide

• Standard $100 bills in Average Condition: Most 1934 $100 bills found in circulation will be worth around their face value ($100) or slightly more due to their age.
• Bills in Excellent to Uncirculated Condition: Bills in superb condition will fetch a higher price. Depending on the condition, they can range from $150 to a few thousand dollars.
• Special Serial Numbers or Variations: Rare serial numbers or variations could be worth significantly more depending on their desirability among collectors.

Where to Get an Appraisal

• Local Coin and Currency Dealers: Visit a reputable coin or currency dealer for a professional assessment. They will consider the condition, serial number, and type to give you an estimated value.
• Online Auction Sites: Check out major auction sites like eBay to find selling prices for similar bills. This can help gauge the market price for your bill.
• Online Price Guides: Websites specializing in currency valuation offer price guides and information. Some reputable ones include the PMG Paper Money Guaranty (https://www.pmgnotes.com/) and Heritage Auctions (https://www.ha.com/).

References:

• Newsweek - Customer Paid with 1934 $100 dollar bill: https://www.newsweek.com/customer-paid-1934-100-dollar-bill-reddit-post-1739343
• US Inflation Calculator: https://www.usinflationcalculator.com/

Important Note: Even an old $100 bill in poor condition is still legal tender and can be spent at its face value!