How Much Is a Dollar Star Note Worth?

Star notes are a unique U.S. currency. While many are worth face value, certain characteristics make them collectible. Understanding these features helps identify valuable notes.

What is a Star Note

A star note is a replacement banknote issued by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) for defective bills. The BEP prints replacements to maintain an accurate count, ensuring no two bills within a series share the same serial number.

Star notes are identifiable by a small star symbol, typically at the end of the serial number, distinguishing them from standard notes. For older currency, the star might appear before the serial number. It indicates the note’s replacement status.

Factors Influencing Star Note Value

A star note’s value depends on scarcity and unique attributes. Smaller print runs increase rarity and value. Print runs of 640,000 notes or fewer are rare; 160,000 or less are highly scarce.

Certain series or years are sought after due to limited production or historical context. Older star notes (pre-1981) hold greater value as fewer remain. Unique “fancy serial numbers” also increase value, such as low serial numbers, repeaters, or ladder sequences.

Printing errors, like misaligned prints, enhance collectibility. The note’s condition also plays a role; uncirculated notes command higher prices than circulated ones.

Assessing Your Star Note’s Condition

A star note’s physical condition significantly impacts its market value. Minor imperfections decrease worth. Uncirculated notes in pristine condition are the most valuable.

• “Uncirculated” (UNC): Perfectly preserved, no signs of handling, folds, or creases; retains original crispness and sheen.
• “About Uncirculated” (AU): Nearly perfect, possibly minor handling like a light wrinkle or slight corner fold, but no hard creases.
• “Extremely Fine” (EF or XF): Attractive with minimal handling, possibly up to three light folds or one crease, maintaining brightness and original sheen.
• “Very Fine” (VF): Shows more circulation evidence, multiple folds, but paper remains crisp without major tears.
• “Fine” (F) or “Good” (G): Displays increasing wear, such as numerous folds, creases, dirt, tears, or limp paper.

How to Determine the Value of Your Star Note

After identifying a star note and assessing its condition, several resources help determine its market value. Online databases and specialized websites, like MyCurrencyCollection.com, allow users to input note details to check production numbers and rarity.

Consult physical or digital currency price guides, such as “Red Books,” for estimated values based on series, condition, and rarity. Reviewing completed listings on online auction sites or dealer websites also offers insight into current market prices for comparable notes.

For high-value notes, seek a professional appraisal from a certified currency dealer or numismatist. Appraisers provide expert assessments, authenticate features, and offer formal valuations through in-person or online submissions.

What is a Star Note

A star note is a replacement banknote issued by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) for defective bills. The BEP prints replacements to maintain an accurate count, ensuring no two bills within a series share the same serial number.

Star notes are identifiable by a small star symbol, typically at the end of the serial number, distinguishing them from standard notes. For older currency, the star might appear before the serial number. It indicates the note’s replacement status.

Factors Influencing Star Note Value

A star note’s value depends on scarcity and unique attributes. Smaller print runs increase rarity and value. Print runs of 640,000 notes or fewer are rare; 160,000 or less are highly scarce.

Certain series or years are sought after due to limited production or historical context. Older star notes (pre-1981) hold greater value as fewer remain. Unique “fancy serial numbers” also increase value, such as low serial numbers, repeaters, or ladder sequences.

Printing errors, like misaligned prints, enhance collectibility. The note’s condition also plays a role; uncirculated notes command higher prices than circulated ones.

Assessing Your Star Note’s Condition

A star note’s physical condition significantly impacts its market value. Minor imperfections decrease worth. Uncirculated notes in pristine condition are the most valuable.

• “Uncirculated” (UNC): Perfectly preserved, no signs of handling, folds, or creases; retains original crispness and sheen.
• “About Uncirculated” (AU): Nearly perfect, possibly minor handling like a light wrinkle or slight corner fold, but no hard creases.
• “Extremely Fine” (EF or XF): Attractive with minimal handling, possibly up to three light folds or one crease, maintaining brightness and original sheen.
• “Very Fine” (VF): Shows more circulation evidence, multiple folds, but paper remains crisp without major tears.
• “Fine” (F) or “Good” (G): Displays increasing wear, such as numerous folds, creases, dirt, tears, or limp paper.

How to Determine the Value of Your Star Note

After identifying a star note and assessing its condition, several resources help determine its market value. Online databases and specialized websites, like MyCurrencyCollection.com, allow users to input note details to check production numbers and rarity.

Consult physical or digital currency price guides, such as “Red Books,” for estimated values based on series, condition, and rarity. Reviewing completed listings on online auction sites or dealer websites also offers insight into current market prices for comparable notes.

For high-value notes, seek a professional appraisal from a certified currency dealer or numismatist. Appraisers provide expert assessments, authenticate features, and offer formal valuations through in-person or online submissions.