Are 100 Dollar Bills With a Star Worth More?
Unlock the potential value of your star note $100 bill. Understand the key factors determining its rarity and worth, from initial discovery to professional assessment.
When examining United States paper currency, some individuals may notice a small star symbol at the end of a bill’s serial number. These particular notes are known as “Star Notes” and often spark curiosity regarding their potential value beyond face value. Star Notes possess unique characteristics that can distinguish them in the world of currency collecting, and understanding these can help determine if a bill holds additional worth.
Identifying a Star Note
A Star Note is a U.S. banknote produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) as a replacement for notes found to have errors during the printing process. Instead of discarding a misprinted or damaged bill and its corresponding serial number, the BEP issues a replacement note. Modern replacement notes appear identical to regular paper money, with the key difference being a star printed at the end of the serial number instead of a letter. For older currency series, particularly those issued before 1909, this star might be located at the beginning of the serial number.
This star symbol serves as an identifier, indicating that the note is a replacement. Distinguishing a star note is straightforward once one knows to look for this specific symbol at the end (or sometimes beginning) of the serial number.
What Makes a Star Note Valuable
Not all Star Notes hold significant value above their face denomination; their worth is primarily influenced by several key factors. Rarity is a major determinant, with notes from smaller print runs generally being more valuable than those from larger runs. Print runs of 640,000 notes or fewer are commonly considered rare enough to be worth more than face value to collectors. The total quantity printed for a specific series, denomination, and Federal Reserve Bank also plays a role in determining rarity.
The condition of a Star Note is another paramount factor affecting its market price. Notes that are crisp, clean, and appear uncirculated, showing no folds, creases, or signs of handling, command significantly higher prices. Additionally, certain series years, especially older ones, can hold higher values due to their dwindling populations and historical significance. Star Notes with unusual or “fancy” serial numbers, such as those with low sequences (e.g., 00000001), repeating patterns, or radar patterns (reading the same forwards and backward), are also highly sought after by collectors.
Checking Star Note Rarity
Once a Star Note is identified, determining its rarity involves checking specific production data. Online databases and lookup tools provide information on star note print runs. To use these tools effectively, one typically needs to input the note’s denomination, series year, and its full serial number, including the star. Some tools may also require the Federal Reserve district letter, which is usually the first letter of the serial number.
These lookups will display the print run size for that specific note. A smaller print run size generally indicates a higher degree of rarity. For instance, print runs under 640,000 notes are often considered rare, with quantities of 160,000 or fewer being highly scarce, and 16,000 or fewer notes being extremely rare.
Professional Valuation and Sale
After identifying a Star Note and researching its rarity, seeking a professional appraisal becomes the next logical step for potentially valuable notes. Reputable appraisers and currency dealers can provide an educated assessment of a note’s value. These professionals are often associated with numismatic organizations or attend coin shows, providing avenues for individuals to find them. An appraiser will consider the note’s condition, rarity, and current market demand to provide an accurate valuation.
Selling a valuable Star Note can then be pursued through various channels. Direct sales to currency dealers are an option, as many are interested in acquiring rare paper money. For notes of significant value, major auction houses that specialize in rare currency, such as those with large audiences of high-end collectors, are frequently utilized. These auction houses can handle the sale process and connect sellers with interested buyers, often for a commission.