When Are Star Notes Worth More Money?
Discover how to identify valuable star notes and understand the key factors, like rarity and condition, that determine their worth.
United States currency includes special notes known as “star notes,” which serve a distinct purpose in the printing process. These notes are produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) to replace banknotes that were found to have errors during their initial production. While star notes are unique due to their origin, their value often remains at face value. Whether a star note is worth more than its stated denomination depends on a combination of factors.
Identifying Star Notes
Modern U.S. paper money designated as a star note features a small star symbol () at the very end of its serial number. This star typically replaces the last letter that would otherwise be part of the serial number sequence. It indicates the note is a replacement for a bill damaged or misprinted during manufacturing.
The star symbol helps the Bureau of Engraving and Printing maintain accurate records without duplicating serial numbers. On older forms of currency, such as Gold Certificates or Silver Certificates, the star might appear at the beginning of the serial number. The star symbol’s color generally matches the serial numbers, often green for Federal Reserve Notes.
Factors Influencing Star Note Value
Not all star notes hold a value greater than their face amount, as their worth is influenced by several factors. Rarity is a primary determinant, often tied to the print run size. Collectors consider star notes from print runs of 640,000 notes or fewer to be rare and potentially more valuable. Some scarce runs can contain as few as 16,000 notes.
The physical condition of the note plays an important role in its market value. Notes that are “uncirculated” (UNC) or “crisp uncirculated” (CU), showing no signs of handling or wear, command the highest premiums. Conversely, notes with folds, creases, tears, or stains will see their potential value significantly reduced. Even a rare star note might not be worth much more than face value if it is heavily circulated and damaged.
The series and denomination also affect a star note’s value. Older series or specific denominations can be rarer or more sought after by collectors. Higher denomination star notes are generally scarcer because fewer were printed for circulation. Most modern star notes found in everyday circulation are not significantly more valuable than their face amount.
Resources for Valuation
To assess the potential value of a star note, several resources are available. Online databases and lookup tools, such as those from numismatic sites or the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), are useful. These tools allow users to input a note’s serial number, series, and denomination to check its print run size, which helps determine rarity.
For notes believed to be valuable, consulting with professional numismatists or reputable currency dealers is a recommended step. These experts offer appraisal services based on their knowledge of the currency market. Currency collector guides and catalogs often list approximate values for notes, categorized by condition and rarity. It is helpful to cross-reference information from multiple reliable sources to obtain a comprehensive valuation.