create table tq84_ora_12801 (n varchar2(50)); insert into tq84_ora_12801 select level from dual connect by level <= 1e6; -- This is not a zero but the uppercase letter O! insert into tq84_ora_12801 values ('O'); commit; select /*+ parallel */ max(to_number(n)) from tq84_ora_12801; -- ORA-12801: error signaled in parallel query server P005 -- ORA-01722: invalid number alter session set events '10397 trace name context forever, level 1'; select /*+ parallel */ max(to_number(n)) from tq84_ora_12801; -- ORA-01722: invalid number