Fancy Serial Numbers On Currency

We have been seeing a lot of different kinds of fancy serial numbers lately. Fancy serial numbers are what PMG refers to as “special” serial numbers — solid digits, radars, low serial numbers 1 through 10, etc. They are pouring in from all over the world.

This article will describe the different kinds of fancy serial numbers that we recognize. A quick definition of each fancy serial number will also be given.

Here is the list (in alphabetical order):

Ascending and Descending Ladder Serial Numbers

This is where the serial number will increase from low to high (ascending) or high to low (descending). The zero can be used as low and high.

Binary Serial Number

These serial numbers can only contain 1s and 0s. PMG does not recognize serial numbers 10, 100, 1000 or 1 Million as a binary. Often times the first binary serial number that PMG recognizes is 1001.

81 Million Serial Number

A serial number with a 1 through 100 followed by six zeros.

Radar Serial Number

A serial number that reads the same forwards as it does backwards.

Repeater Serial Number

This serial number will repeat. The minimum number of digits that need to repeat is two (IE: 121212). Likewise, the minimum times the sequence needs to repeat is two (IE: 12341234).

Serial Number 1 through 10

Simply a serial number that is one of the first ten notes printed.

Solid Serial Numbers

Where the entire serial number is the same number not including the prefix.

Rotator Serial Number

A serial number that doesn’t change if read upside down. The only numbers that can be rotated are: 0s, 1s, 6s, 8s, and 9s.

Combinations

There are even more special fancy serial numbers that combine any of the above into one special pedigree. For example a Radar-Repeater-Rotator Serial Number (I.E.: 808808) is read the same left to right, contains a three digit repeater and can be read the same right side up and upside down. This isn’t the only type of combination, there are many more. Below are two of the possibilities.

Super Pedigrees

This is when the serial number prefix makes the complete serial something different – something super. Any of the above pedigrees can qualify for the ‘super’ addition excluding Million Serial Number. The only requirement is that the prefix adds to the original serial number. There are two different scenarios where super fancy pedigrees come into play:

1. The serial number is already fancy and the prefix adds to the pedigree making it super.
2. The serial number isn’t fancy at all until the prefix is added – most commonly seen with radar serial numbers.

Another exception is when the serial number can qualify for more than one special pedigree. Such as in the case where the serial number is A1A0000001: PMG will only notate serial number 1 for free. Yes, this is also a Super Binary-Radar-Rotator as well. The customer would need to request the super pedigree on the submission form for a $5 charge in order to have both pedigrees. Below are two different types of super fancy serial numbers.

There are many different types of fancy serial numbers and the article did not showcase all the different varieties of super pedigrees. How many can you find? Show off your fancy serial numbers in the PMG Registry.

These types of pedigrees really change how you can collect a certain country or denomination and adds enjoyment to the hobby. So the next time you get change or take money out of the ATM, look down and check those serial numbers. You just might have found something fancy.

Some exclusions not otherwise mentioned in this article may apply. If there are any questions please contact PMG's customer service.