Record-Breaking Sales of Ladder Notes
- 20BillSoldfor20BillSoldfor7,000+
- Serial Number: *01234567* (perfect ascending ladder)
- Grade: PCGS 68 PPQ (near-perfect condition)
- Auction House: Heritage Auctions (2024)
- 10BillSoldfor10BillSoldfor2,500
- Serial Number: *76543210* (descending ladder)
- Grade: PMG 66 EPQ (uncirculated with exceptional paper quality)
What Makes Ladder Notes So Valuable?
1. Types of Ladder Serial Numbers
Type | Example | Rarity Tier |
---|---|---|
Perfect Ascending | 01234567 | Ultra Rare (1 in 96M bills) |
Perfect Descending | 76543210 | Ultra Rare |
Partial Ladder | 0123xxxx | Rare (1 in 10,000) |
Reverse Ladder | 45678901 | Semi-Rare |
2. Condition & Certification Premiums
- Uncirculated (MS 63+): 500-1000% over face value
- Certified by PCGS/PMG: Adds 200-400% premium
- Star Notes with Ladders: 10x multiplier
Step-by-Step Identification Guide
1. Serial Number Analysis
- Check for sequences:
- Ascending: 01234567, 12345678
- Descending: 98765432, 87654321
- Bookend Ladders: 01234000, 000043210
- Avoid “fake” ladders:
- *12340056* (not true ladder)
- *01020304* (radar, not ladder)
2. Condition Grading (DIY)
- Uncirculated:
- No folds, crisp corners, original sheen
- About Uncirculated (AU):
- 1 light fold, bright color
- Circulated (Valueless as ladder):
- Multiple folds, stains, tears
3. Certification Worth It?
- If bill is:
- True perfect ladder + uncirculated → YES ($30 fee)
- Partial ladder/circulated → NO
Where to Sell for Maximum Profit
1. Premium Marketplaces
Platform | Fees | Best For |
---|---|---|
Heritage Auctions | 15% | Record-breaking notes |
eBay | 12.9% | Quick sales (<$5k) |
Banknote Forum | 0% | Private collector deals |
2. Negotiation Tactics
- For $5k+ notes:
*”This PMG-certified 01234567 note has 3 competing offers – bids close Friday.”* - For raw notes:
“I’ll accept 20% below certified comps since it’s uncertified.”
Real-World Case Studies
1. The “7,000”7,000″20 Bill Breakdown
- Serial: 01234567
- Grade: PCGS 68 PPQ
- Sale History:
- 2019: $1,200 (raw)
- 2022: $3,500 (PCGS 65)
- 2024: $7,200 (PCGS 68)
2. How a 10BillBecameWorth10BillBecameWorth2,500
- Serial: 76543210
- Key Factors:
- Star note (replacement bill)
- Descending ladder
- Original bank strap found
Pro Tips Most Collectors Won’t Share
- Check New Bills at Banks:
- Order fresh 1/1/5 straps – ladders often appear in sequential packs.
- Foreign Currency Bonus:
- Canadian “01234567” notes sell for 50x face value.
- Error+Ladder Combos:
- A 1billwithinkerror+ladderserial=1billwithinkerror+ladderserial=15k+ value.
Avoid These Costly Mistakes
- Don’t:
- Write on the bill (even lightly)
- Attempt cleaning (destroys premium)
- Store in PVC holders (causes chemical damage)
- Do:
- Use currency sleeves ($5/100 on Amazon)
- Track serials in the CoolSerial Numbers app
“Ladder Note” Checklist
(Print & keep in wallet)
✅ Perfect Ascending: 01234567
✅ Perfect Descending: 76543210
✅ Partial Ladder: 0123xxxx or xxxx3210
✅ Star Note + Ladder: Instant 10x value
✅ Uncirculated Condition: No folds, bright
Found one? Get a free valuation: Pennyverse
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