What Happens If a $100 Dollar Bill Has a Star?

When you receive a $100 bill, you might notice a small star symbol printed at the end of its serial number. This mark indicates a specific origin for the banknote, distinguishing it from most other currency. Understanding the reason behind this star reveals how U.S. paper money is produced and distributed.

Understanding Star Notes

A star note is a replacement banknote produced by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) for bills found to have errors during printing. This system maintains sequential numbering within currency batches. When a sheet of currency is identified as defective due to printing errors, it is removed from the production line. A star note with a unique serial number is issued in its place, rather than reprinting the exact serial number.

This process ensures the total count of banknotes in a production run remains consistent. Star notes are printed in smaller quantities than regular notes, created only as needed to fill these gaps. They are official U.S. legal tender and function identically to any other bill of the same denomination.

Identifying a Star Note

Identifying a star note is straightforward. The defining characteristic is a small, five-pointed star symbol () at the end of the serial number. This star replaces the last letter of the standard serial number, which typically consists of letters and eight numerical digits.

The star symbol is inked in the same color as the serial numbers and treasury seal, which is green for Federal Reserve Notes. While modern star notes typically feature the star at the end, older issues might have it at the beginning. Examining the serial number’s combination of letters, numbers, and the star confirms its status as a replacement.

The Value of Star Notes

A star on a $100 bill interests collectors, but not all star notes hold significant value beyond their face amount. Their worth is determined by rarity and condition. While star notes are scarcer than regular notes due to their replacement purpose, their rarity depends on the size of their specific print run.

Notes from low print runs, often considered those with 640,000 notes or fewer, are more sought after by collectors and can command a premium. The physical condition of the note also plays a significant role; uncirculated notes, which show no signs of wear, folds, or damage, are more valuable than circulated ones. Professional grading services assess condition, assigning grades that directly impact market value.

Other factors that can increase a star note’s value include its series year, with older series often being rarer, and unique serial number characteristics like very low numbers or repeating patterns. Numismatic websites and online databases allow individuals to research the print run and potential value of their specific star note. Even if a star note is not highly valuable to collectors, it retains its full face value as legal tender.