Fancy Currency Serial Numbers - Does the note need to be in great condition to be worth the most?

Collectors of fancy serial numbers, star notes, and low print run blocks always strive to most extreme and rare combinations in existence. Generally, collectors of star and low print run block notes would need to be in extraordinary condition to reward any sort of premium return.  Fancy serial number collectors on the other hand, will pretty much scoop up any condition note short of rag status and will pay all the money for it in the end.  So what exactly are the fancy serial number patterns most collectors will pay more for in circulated condition and up?

Low & High Serial Numbers - These are a tough find in circulation anyways and most notes are found straight from a new bank strap to begin with.  The price increase can be tremendous for those first or last 100 serials in any condition.  However, notes like the one pictured to the side of this article, need to be in that crisp higher condition to warrant all the premium.  What's the price difference?  How about $100-150 for grade sensitivity.

Ladders 1-8 or 8-1 - First of all, any straight 1-8 or reverse ladder serial will garner a ton of money in any condition.  They're tough to find, only two exist per block, and they are probably the prettiest fancy serial one will come across.  Brand new 2009 series ladders have sold for upwards of $1k+!

7 or 8 in a row - Just as tough as a ladder, the "in a row" serials are a tough note to find in circulation.  What can collectors do to have a chance at scoring one of these?  Real easy, go to your bank and pick up some BEP fresh bank straps.  The odds are long but if you find one, that's easily a $500-1k note all day long, even ungraded!  Worn and circulated examples don't really exist in this serial pattern, which is why most "in a row" notes are sold in Choice Crisp or higher.