Are all star notes valuable?

No. Most star notes from high-volume print runs (over 3.2 million) are worth only face value. Only star notes from low print runs (under 640,000) typically command collector premiums ranging from $10 to $500+.

How do I find star note print run data?

CashScan identifies the series and district. You can then research print runs on collector websites. Look for your Federal Reserve letter (A-L) and series year to find the specific print run size.

Why do star notes exist?

The BEP must deliver exact quantities of bills with consecutive serial numbers. When a bill is defective, a star note replaces it so the bank receiving the bills gets the correct count without gaps in serial numbers.

Can star notes have fancy serial numbers?

Yes! A star note with a fancy serial (ladder, radar, etc.) is exceptionally rare and valuable, often worth 3-10x what either feature would be worth alone.

Published: January 6, 2025

Value Guide

Understanding Star Notes

Scan any bill to detect star notes and check their rarity based on print run data.

What Is a Star Note?

When the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) encounters a defective bill during production, they replace it with a 'star note,' a bill with a small ★ symbol at the end of the serial number instead of a letter. This star indicates it's a replacement bill, ensuring all serial numbers remain in sequence.

What is a star note?Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Standard: B12345678A

Regular serial ends with a letter (A-Z).

Star Note: B12345678★

Star symbol replaces the suffix letter.

Where to Find the Star

The serial number appears twice on every bill, upper right and lower left of the front. Look at the very end of either serial number to spot the star. The star is small, so examine your bill carefully in good lighting.

Star note lookup tool U.S. Currency Education Program

Location

Front of bill, after the 8 digits of the serial number.

Symbol

Small five-pointed star (★) replaces suffix letter.

Both Match

Both serial numbers on the bill will show the star.

Scan and identify bills instantly with CashScan.

Free Download

Star Note Value by Print Run Size

The key to star note value is the print run: how many star notes were printed in that specific series and district. Smaller runs mean fewer exist, driving up collector demand.

PMG paper money grading Rare serial numbers on dollar bills

Print Run Size	Rarity Level	Typical Premium	Collector Interest
Under 160,000	Very Rare	$50-$500+	High demand
160,001-320,000	Rare	$20-$100	Strong interest
320,001-640,000	Scarce	$10-$50	Moderate interest
640,001-1,280,000	Uncommon	$3-$15	Light interest
1,280,001-3,200,000	Common	$1-$5	Low interest
Over 3,200,000	Very Common	Face value	Minimal interest

Most Valuable Star Notes to Look For

Not all star notes are created equal. Here are the characteristics that make certain star notes highly sought after by collectors:

Fancy serial number checker Rare dollar bills worth money PCGS currency grading

Low Print Runs

Any star note from a run under 640,000 is worth checking.

Older Series

Pre-2000 star notes are generally scarcer and more valuable.

Higher Denominations

$50 and $100 star notes have stronger premiums.

Fancy Serial + Star

A star note with a ladder or radar serial = rare combo.

Early/Late Run

Serial numbers near the start or end of a print run.

Perfect Condition

Uncirculated star notes command 2-5x circulated prices.

Scan and identify bills instantly with CashScan.

Free Download

How to Research Your Star Note

Once you've identified a star note, you'll need to look up its print run. The series year and Federal Reserve district letter determine which print run your star note came from.

Star note lookup tool BEP print run information

Step 1

Find the series year (front of bill, near portrait).

Step 2

Note the Federal Reserve letter (first character of serial).

Step 3

Look up print run data online or use CashScan's identification.

Step 4

Compare your serial number to the known run range.

Features

How CashScan Helps With Notes Instantly

Star Note Detection

Automatically detect the ★ symbol that identifies replacement notes.

Print Run Data

Learn how many star notes were printed in your bill's run.

Rarity Assessment

Find out if your star note is from a scarce or common print run.

Value Estimates

Get collector value estimates based on series and condition.

Try CashScan free to scan, identify, and value your bills.

Free Download

FAQ

Identify Star Notes Instantly FAQ

Star notes are replacement bills printed when errors occur during production. They have a ★ symbol at the end of the serial number instead of a letter. The star ensures serial numbers stay in sequence while replacing defective bills.