Why Do Some Bills Have Stars on Them?
Curious about the star on your dollar bill? Uncover its true meaning, why it appears, and the fascinating process behind these special notes.
When examining United States currency, some individuals occasionally notice a small star printed near the serial number on certain bills. This unique mark often prompts curiosity about its purpose and origin. While most banknotes feature a standard serial number consisting of letters and digits, the appearance of a star signifies a distinct aspect of the currency production process.
The Star Symbol’s Significance
The star symbol on a banknote indicates it is a “replacement note,” commonly referred to as a “star note.” This designation means the bill was printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) to substitute for a banknote found to be flawed or defective during the manufacturing process. The star serves a clear functional purpose: it allows the BEP to maintain an accurate count of all currency produced. Instead of discarding defective notes and their assigned serial numbers, replacement notes with a star are issued. This ensures the numerical sequence of issued currency remains complete.
How Star Notes are Produced
The creation of star notes is part of the currency printing process. United States currency is produced in large sheets, each containing multiple notes with sequential serial numbers. During production, these sheets undergo inspection for printing errors, such as smudges, misprints, or alignment issues.
If a sheet is identified as defective, it is removed from the normal production flow. To maintain the integrity of the serial numbering system and account for every banknote, the BEP does not reprint the exact serial numbers. Instead, a special “star sheet” is printed as a replacement. The star symbol appears on these replacement notes, typically in place of the last letter or digit of the serial number. This ensures no two bills share the same unique identifier and allows the BEP to precisely track the total number of notes produced.
Recognizing a Star Note
Identifying a star note is straightforward for anyone examining U.S. currency. On modern Federal Reserve Notes, the star symbol is most commonly at the very end of the serial number, replacing the final letter. This asterisk is usually printed in the same color as the serial number, either green or black, depending on the note’s design.
Star notes are found across various denominations, from one-dollar bills to higher values. While modern notes feature the star at the end, some older U.S. currency, such as Gold Certificates or Silver Certificates, might display the star at the beginning of the serial number. Observing this distinctive star is the primary visual cue for recognizing a replacement note.