I first started collecting paper money when I was 15 years old and working at a car wash. Back in the 70's a carwash cost $2.00 ($3.00 with a wax), so I used to see tons of $1.00/$2.00. I actually was intrigued with the idea of keeping old money becuase the 1954's were being phased out, and we had the new (very cool) multi-colored issue. At the carwash... (and after seeing hundreds of notes) all I found was one $1.00 radar, an *C/F and a bunch of raggy $1/$2 and $20. A few years later on another job, I found an *R/E 1974 $2.00 (AU) and 3 raggy asterisk $1. :-/ However, I really didn't know what to look for like I know now.
My point is: I've been looking for rare notes for a long time, and I never find low numbers, million numbered, and just a few radars. For a short time I started searching notes (100 to 1000 at a time), and then I could only find 1 or 2 ratty BEK's, no BEL's and 1 2004 BER that was covered in grease.
If you find something - COUNT yourself VERY LUCKY!
I watched Polar Bear, BWJM, and Oli get some great "finds" by just doing very thorough searches at a few shows too. I thought it couldn't be done (because of my own lousy luck) but have found a few "not bad" finds myself (not like BWJM's test note mind you!)
My most recent find was a VF 2 digit (not a radar) 2004 BEY change-over from circulation. I can relate to "Punky'sDad"
