What Is the Value of a Star Note on a Bill?

A star note on a bill is a type of currency issued by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) as a replacement for notes that had errors during printing. When a bill is misprinted or damaged, the BEP prints a replacement note to maintain accurate records. These replacement notes are distinguished by a star symbol, typically at the end of their serial number. While all star notes serve this replacement purpose, their value can vary significantly from face value, depending on several specific characteristics.

Identifying a Star Note

Recognizing a star note involves a visual inspection of the bill’s serial number. On most modern U.S. paper currency, the serial number is an eleven-character combination of letters and numbers. For a star note, the last character of this serial number will be a star symbol (), instead of a letter. This star indicates the note is a replacement for a defective bill.

For older U.S. currency, such as notes issued before 1909, the star symbol might appear at the beginning of the serial number. The color of this star symbol usually matches the color of the serial numbers on the note, typically green for Federal Reserve Notes. This distinct star marking is the primary way to confirm if a bill is a star note, setting it apart from standard currency.

Factors Influencing Star Note Value

The worth of a star note is determined by several attributes. The condition of the note plays a significant role in its market appeal to collectors. Notes that are crisp, clean, and show minimal signs of handling, such as “uncirculated” examples, command high premiums. Conversely, notes with folds, tears, stains, or other damage will have their value diminished, sometimes to face value.

Rarity is another determinant, tied to the size of the print run. Star notes are produced in smaller quantities than regular notes. The fewer notes printed in a particular run, the rarer and potentially more valuable they become. Print runs of 640,000 notes or fewer are generally considered rare enough to be worth more than face value, with those under 160,000 being highly scarce. Collectors seek notes from limited runs, increasing desirability.

The series year and denomination also impact value, as older series or certain higher denominations might be scarcer. If a star note possesses unique serial numbers, such as repeating digits, low serial numbers, or radar numbers, its value can be further enhanced. A distinct printing error on the note, beyond the star designation, can also contribute to its value for specialized collectors.

Finding the Current Value

To determine the market value of a star note, individuals can utilize several resources. Online numismatic websites and specialized databases are valuable tools for researching star note production numbers and estimated values. Websites like MyCurrencyCollection.com offer “Star Note Lookup” tools where users can input the denomination, series, and serial number to find production data and rarity information. These platforms often provide insights into whether a specific note comes from a rare print run.

Consulting professional currency price guides, which are often available in print or online versions, can also provide general value estimates. Such guides list notes by series and denomination, offering a range of values based on condition. For notes suspected of being particularly valuable, or if uncertainty exists, seeking an appraisal from a professional numismatist or a reputable coin and currency dealer is advisable. These experts possess the knowledge and tools to accurately assess a note’s condition and rarity, providing a more precise valuation.

Observing completed sales on reputable online auction sites can offer a real-time indication of current market demand and prices for similar star notes. It is important to remember that the value of any collectible, including star notes, can fluctuate based on market demand, economic conditions, and the specific characteristics of the note. The information found in guides and online databases should be considered an estimate, and a professional appraisal can offer the most reliable assessment for high-value items.