How Much Is a Dollar With a Star Worth?

Star notes on U.S. dollar bills represent a fascinating aspect of currency collecting. These distinctive notes are not everyday currency, but rather special replacements issued by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). While most dollar bills circulate at their stated value, a star note can sometimes command a significantly higher price among collectors. This article explores how to identify a star note, the factors that contribute to its value, and practical steps to determine what your star note might be worth.

Understanding Star Notes

A star note is a replacement for a banknote that was damaged or misprinted during the manufacturing process at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). Instead of reprinting a bill with an identical serial number, which would create duplicate numbers, the BEP uses a star symbol at the end of the serial number to denote it as a replacement. This method ensures that every printed banknote has a unique identifier. The star symbol is typically located at the end of the serial number, which consists of a prefix letter, eight digits, and a suffix letter.

The presence of this star symbol is the definitive way to identify a star note across all denominations, from one-dollar bills to higher values. For instance, a regular serial number might read “A12345678B,” while a star note would appear as “A12345678”. This distinct marking makes them easily recognizable to collectors and the general public alike. Star notes are generally rarer than their regular counterparts because they are only printed as needed to replace flawed notes within specific print runs.

Factors Influencing Value

The condition of a star note significantly impacts its market value. A bill that remains in “uncirculated” condition, meaning it shows no signs of wear, folds, or blemishes, will command the highest prices. Notes with slight handling marks or minor folds might be graded as “fine” or “very fine” and retain some premium, while heavily circulated notes graded as “poor” or “fair” will usually be worth little more than face value. Professional currency grading services use a numerical scale, often from 1 to 70, with 70 representing a perfect uncirculated note, to precisely assess condition.

Rarity also plays a substantial role in its valuation. Lower print runs, especially those with fewer than 640,000 notes for a specific series and denomination, are generally more sought after by collectors. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing provides publicly accessible print run data, often available through numismatic resources, which allows individuals to research the exact rarity of their specific note by its series, denomination, and serial number. This data helps determine if a star note belongs to a scarce print run.

Certain older series or specific denominations of star notes can also be more desirable due to historical significance or collector demand. For example, star notes from earlier series, such as those from the 1930s or 1940s, often carry a higher premium simply due to their age and the scarcity of surviving examples in good condition. While rare, genuine printing errors on a star note, beyond the initial misprint that led to its replacement status, can further escalate its value. These errors, such as misaligned cuts, ink smears, or missing print, are distinct from the reason a note became a star note and are often highly prized by specialized collectors.

Determining the Value of Your Star Note

Several online resources provide extensive databases and pricing guides for star notes. Reputable numismatic websites often feature searchable databases where you can input the series year, denomination, and the first few digits of your star note’s serial number to find its print run size. These sites frequently offer estimated market values based on the note’s condition and rarity, drawing from past auction results and dealer prices.

Consulting specialized currency collecting guides and books can also provide valuable insights into star note values. These publications, often updated annually, compile comprehensive lists of banknotes, including common star notes, their historical print runs, and estimated values across different condition grades. Such guides offer a broad overview of the market and help contextualize your note’s potential worth within the wider collecting community.

For star notes believed to be of significant value, particularly those in exceptional condition or from very low print runs, seeking a professional appraisal from a certified currency dealer or numismatist is advisable. These experts possess specialized knowledge and access to current market data, allowing them to provide a precise valuation. Appraisal fees can vary, ranging from a small percentage of the note’s estimated value to a flat fee, typically between $20 and $100 per note, depending on the complexity of the assessment. Any profit realized from selling a collectible like a star note is generally subject to capital gains tax, often at a higher rate for collectibles, such as 28% for individuals, as per IRS guidelines.