How Much Is 1981 Series 100 Dollar Bill Worth? (ANSWERED)

Last Updated on June 27, 2022

Most 1981 series 100 dollar bills will not help you make high profits.

However, you can get more money if you have a rare variety of this note.

If you want to know more about this, continue reading.

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How Much Is 1981 Series 100 Dollar Bill Worth?

Typically, the 1981 series 100 dollar bill in uncirculated condition has a value of $150 to $175. This price range is the same for the same 1981A series bills. Remember that the grading of the notes must be MS 63 to sell them for a high price.

The 1981 series 100 dollar star bills are worth $850 in excellent condition. This value will raise $1,500 for the uncirculated notes with MS 63 grading. Similarly, the 1981A series bills have a value of $400 in an excellent state.

Meanwhile, you can receive $875 for the 1981A series bill with MS 63 grading. You will get the highest value for this grading because it represents that note has never been circulated.

The standard 1981 series 100 dollar bill value is more than the face value of the note in a circulated condition.

However, the worth increases if you have an uncirculated or star bill of this series. The latter has a significantly high value because they are scarce.

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What Is A Star Note Money?

The US Federal Reserve has printed star bills to replace faulty notes.

They are produced in relatively low quantities making them scarce and valuable. You can sell your 1981 100 dollar star bill for an excellent price if the note is in uncirculated condition.

The best part is that this note is easily identifiable because of the simple design.

You will find a star symbol at the end of the bill’s serial number.

As a buyer, if a seller claims that the note is a star without the symbol, you should be on alert for scams.

You can also use other methods to see if the bill is real.

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How Do You Tell If 1981 100 Dollar Bill Is Real?

The top way to check the bill’s authenticity is by holding towards a light. You will notice an embedded thread moving towards the left side of the printed portrait. This line will run vertically and indicate you are holding a real 100 dollar bill.

Besides that, the thread will have the USA imprinted on it and the number 100 in an alternating pattern. This value will be visible from both sides of the note. The thread will also display a pink glow under UV light. The note is fake if it has the thread but does not meet these requirements.

You can also check the authenticity through the serial number’s color. The digits are printed in slightly different ink than other parts of the note. So you can easily determine whether the bill is real or fake. 

Of course, the most reliable method is getting an inspection by a dealer. The expert will tell you the authenticity, year, and market value of the rare 1981 100 dollar bill.

The 1981 Series 100 Dollar Bill Grading System

The grading system for the 1981 series 100 dollar bill is as follows:

P-Poor

F-Fine

VF-Very Fine

EF-Extremely Fine

MS-Mint State

UNC-Uncirculated

STAR-Star Note

Does the Grading Effect The Value Of The 1981 Series 100 Dollar Bill?

The grading of a 1981 series 100 dollar bill will affect its value. The higher the grade, the more expensive the note becomes.

For example, an uncirculated 1981A series note with a MS 63 grade can sell for $875.

However, if it has a lower grade such as VF, the price will be significantly lower at $400. So it is important to know the grading of the note before selling it.

The grade are based on the condition of the bill. If the bill is in good condition and fulfils certain other requirements then it will be considered to be of good grade.

There are different grading organizations out there that can grade your 100 dollar bill and 1981 Series based on its condition.

Jackie Palmer is a Houston-based coin journalist and fashion enthusiast. She joined Jewels Advisor’s content team after years of experience as a content strategist, managing blogs and social channels for local stores. Jackie mostly collects and studies US coins produced during the 20th century and over the years, published hundreds of articles for multiple coin publications.