Is a birthday serial number worth money?

Modestly to the general market — often a few dollars to about $20 on a circulated $1 — but potentially more to a buyer who wants that exact date. Uncirculated notes and star notes are worth more.

How do I find a bill with my birthday on it?

Check the serial numbers of bills you handle for your date in MMDDYYYY form. A serial-number checker or an app that scans each bill makes it much faster than checking by eye.

Guides · Fancy serials

Birthday Notes: Is Your Birthday on a Dollar Bill Worth Money?

Q: What is a birthday note?

A birthday note is a bill whose serial number reads as a calendar date, usually in MMDDYYYY format such as 07041976 for July 4, 1976. Six-digit MMDDYY dates also count to many collectors.

A Follow the Money guide · Updated June 2026

A birthday note is a bill whose serial number spells out a date — most often MMDDYYYY, like 0 7 0 4 1 9 7 6 for July 4, 1976. They're a fun, personal corner of collecting: many people specifically hunt for their own birthday, a wedding date, or a child's birthdate, which creates steady demand for the right numbers.

What counts as a birthday note

The standard format is the full eight digits as a valid date: MM DD YYYY. 12 25 2001 (12252001) is Christmas Day, 2001. A six-digit MMDDYY date padded with zeros also counts to many collectors. The number simply has to read as a real calendar date.

Why birthday notes are different

Unlike a radar or solid, a birthday note's value is partly personal. The pattern itself isn't especially rare — there are lots of valid dates — but a buyer looking for their exact date will pay a premium few others would. That makes birthday notes a great gift and an easy entry point into the hobby.

What is a birthday note worth?

To the general market, a birthday note on a circulated $1 carries a small premium, often a few dollars to around $20. To the right buyer — someone who wants that specific date — it can be worth more, especially crisp, uncirculated, or as a star note. The magic is matching the note to a person who cares about the date.

How to check your bill

Not sure if your serial lines up with a date? The free Bill Value Checker reads the number and flags date-style patterns, and the Follow the Money app surfaces them as you scan — handy if you're trying to find a particular birthday to gift.

Check for a birthday note Get the app

This guide is for general education and isn't an appraisal — values vary with the market and a note's exact condition. For a second opinion, post a clear photo to r/papermoney or consult a professional grader.

More guides: Low serials · Radar notes · Fancy serials · Star notes