How much is a radar note worth?

It varies with rarity and condition. A circulated $1 radar is often worth about $10 to $30, while uncirculated notes, higher denominations, super radars, and star notes can be worth hundreds. Value only materializes when a collector buys it.

What is a super radar note?

A super radar has identical digits in every position except the two ends, such as 30000003. It is much rarer than an ordinary radar and commands a significantly higher premium.

Guides · Fancy serials

Radar Notes: What's a Radar Serial Number Worth?

Q: What is a radar note?

A radar note is a US bill whose eight-digit serial number reads the same forwards and backwards, like 1234321 or 29100192. The pattern is a numeric palindrome. Only the eight digits matter; the letters are ignored.

A Follow the Money guide · Updated June 2026

A radar note is a bill whose eight-digit serial number reads the same backwards as forwards — a palindrome, like 1 2 3 4 4 3 2 1 or 0 6 7 7 6 0 with matching outer letters. They're one of the most popular “fancy serials” because they're easy to spot and genuinely uncommon. Here's how to recognize one and what it might be worth.

What exactly makes a serial a radar?

Read the eight digits from left to right, then right to left. If the sequence is identical both ways, it's a radar: 2 9 1 0 0 1 9 2 reversed is still 29100192. The pattern mirrors around the center, like a palindrome word (“racecar”). The bill's prefix and suffix letters don't affect the radar status — only the eight numbers matter.

Super radars and other cousins

A super radar is the rarest form: the only digits that differ are the two on the very ends, with everything in between identical — for example 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 3. Collectors prize these far above an ordinary radar. A radar that is also a binary (only two digits) or a repeater stacks rarity and can be worth more still.

What is a radar note worth?

As with every fancy serial, value depends on the pattern's rarity, the denomination, and condition. A circulated $1 radar typically sells in the low tens of dollars — often $10–$30 — while crisp uncirculated examples, higher denominations, super radars, and radar star notes can reach hundreds. The note has to be desirable to a collector to fetch a premium; a worn radar in a register drawer is still worth face until someone buys it.

How to check your bill

Type your serial into the free Bill Value Checker — it flags radars, super radars, and every other fancy pattern instantly, then gives a rough value range. If you'd rather have it done automatically on every bill you handle, the Follow the Money app checks each one the moment you scan it.

Check for a radar 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: Repeater notes · Binary serials · Low serials · Fancy serials