Quick Answer: A star note is a replacement bill printed when an error occurs during currency production. Star notes have a ★ symbol at the end of the serial number instead of a letter. While most star notes are worth face value, those with low print runs or fancy serial numbers can be worth $5 to $500+.
If you've ever noticed a tiny star at the end of a bill's serial number, you've found a star note. But what makes these bills special, and are they actually worth anything? Let's dive into everything you need to know about star notes.
What Are Star Notes?
Star notes are replacement bills printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) to maintain the proper count in a currency production run.
Why Star Notes Exist
Here's what happens during currency production:
- Bills are printed in large sheets
- Each bill gets a unique serial number
- Sometimes a bill gets damaged or has a printing error
- That bill must be removed from the run
- A replacement bill (star note) is printed with its own unique serial number ending in a ★
Without star notes, there would be gaps in serial number sequences, creating accounting problems for the Federal Reserve.
How to Identify a Star Note
Look at the serial number on any U.S. bill. It typically looks like this:
Regular note: A12345678B
Star note: A12345678★
The star replaces the suffix letter at the end of the serial number.
Star Note Value Chart by Denomination
Not all star notes are valuable. Here's a general guide:
$1 Star Notes
| Print Run Size | Circulated Value | Uncirculated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Over 3.2 million | $1 (face value) | $2-$3 |
| 640K - 3.2 million | $1.50-$2 | $3-$8 |
| 320K - 640K | $3-$5 | $8-$20 |
| Under 320K | $8-$15 | $25-$75 |
| Under 100K | $25-$50 | $100-$300 |
Values based on recent Heritage Auctions sales and star note print run data.
$2 Star Notes
$2 star notes are particularly collectible. For complete $2 bill values, see our guide on how much $2 bills are worth.
| Print Run Size | Circulated Value | Uncirculated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Over 640K | $2-$3 | $4-$8 |
| 320K - 640K | $4-$8 | $10-$25 |
| Under 320K | $10-$20 | $30-$75 |
| Under 100K | $30-$50 | $100-$250 |
$5 Star Notes
| Print Run Size | Circulated Value | Uncirculated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Over 3.2 million | $5 (face value) | $6-$8 |
| 640K - 3.2 million | $6-$8 | $10-$20 |
| Under 640K | $10-$20 | $25-$75 |
| Under 320K | $25-$50 | $75-$200 |
$10 Star Notes
| Print Run Size | Circulated Value | Uncirculated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Over 3.2 million | $10 (face value) | $12-$15 |
| 640K - 3.2 million | $12-$15 | $18-$30 |
| Under 640K | $18-$30 | $40-$100 |
| Under 320K | $40-$75 | $125-$300 |
$20 Star Notes
| Print Run Size | Circulated Value | Uncirculated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Over 3.2 million | $20 (face value) | $22-$25 |
| 640K - 3.2 million | $22-$28 | $30-$50 |
| Under 640K | $30-$50 | $60-$150 |
| Under 320K | $60-$100 | $175-$400 |
$50 Star Notes
$50 star notes are generally scarcer due to lower production numbers:
| Print Run Size | Circulated Value | Uncirculated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Over 640K | $50-$55 | $60-$80 |
| 320K - 640K | $55-$70 | $80-$150 |
| Under 320K | $80-$125 | $175-$400 |
$100 Star Notes
| Print Run Size | Circulated Value | Uncirculated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Over 3.2 million | $100 (face value) | $105-$115 |
| 640K - 3.2 million | $105-$120 | $125-$175 |
| Under 640K | $125-$175 | $200-$400 |
| Under 320K | $200-$300 | $400-$800+ |
What Makes a Star Note Valuable?
Using CashScan's star note database (compiled from official BEP production reports), we've analyzed rarity across every denomination and series year.
1. Print Run Size
The most important factor is how many star notes were printed in that run.
- Common runs (3.2+ million): Worth face value
- Scarce runs (under 640K): Starting to get interesting
- Rare runs (under 320K): Definitely worth a premium
- Super rare runs (under 100K): Can be very valuable
2. Series and Denomination
Older series and higher denominations tend to have smaller star note runs, making them more collectible.
3. Condition
Like all collectible currency:
- Uncirculated stars are worth 2-5x more than circulated
- Gem Uncirculated (65+) stars command the highest premiums
- Folded or damaged stars lose most of their premium
4. Fancy Serial Numbers
A star note with a fancy serial number combines two collectible elements. Learn more about rare serial numbers on dollar bills:
- Star note ladder:
L12345678★- Worth $100+ - Star note low number:
K00000025★- Worth $50-$200 - Star note repeater:
J24682468★- Worth $50-$150
5. Federal Reserve District
Some Federal Reserve Banks produce fewer star notes than others. Check which district letter your star note has:
| Letter | District | Relative Scarcity |
|---|---|---|
| A | Boston | Moderate |
| B | New York | Common |
| C | Philadelphia | Moderate |
| D | Cleveland | Moderate |
| E | Richmond | Common |
| F | Atlanta | Common |
| G | Chicago | Common |
| H | St. Louis | Moderate |
| I | Minneapolis | Scarce |
| J | Kansas City | Moderate |
| K | Dallas | Moderate |
| L | San Francisco | Common |
Minneapolis (I) star notes are often scarcer due to lower production volumes.
How to Research Star Note Rarity
Step 1: Find Your Star Note's Information
Record these details from your bill:
- Denomination ($1, $5, $20, etc.)
- Series year (e.g., 2017A)
- Federal Reserve Bank letter (first character of serial number)
- Full serial number
Step 2: Look Up Print Run Data
Several websites track star note production:
- MyCurrencyCollection.com - Free star note lookup
- Star Note Lookup - Print run databases
- U.S. Currency Education Program - Official data
Step 3: Check the Print Run Size
Compare your star note's serial number range to the known print runs. If yours falls in a small run (under 640K), it may be worth more.
Step 4: Assess Condition
Be honest about condition:
- Any folds reduce value significantly
- Corner issues matter
- Stains or marks decrease value
- Truly uncirculated notes are harder to find than people think
Where Do Star Notes Come From?
Star notes are printed at two BEP facilities:
- Washington, D.C. - Notes have no facility identifier or small letters at front lower right
- Fort Worth, Texas - Notes have "FW" in small letters at front lower right
Fort Worth (FW) star notes from certain series can be scarcer, adding a slight premium.
Star Note Collecting Tips
Starting a Collection
- Check your change - Star notes appear about 1 in every 100 bills
- Get $2 bills from banks - $2 star notes are less common
- Buy uncirculated - For valuable runs, condition matters most
- Focus on a series - Completing a set by district is satisfying
What to Look For
Best star notes to find:
- ✅ Low print runs (under 640K)
- ✅ Older series (pre-2000)
- ✅ Higher denominations
- ✅ Minneapolis (I) district
- ✅ Combined with fancy serial numbers
- ✅ Truly uncirculated condition
Storage and Preservation
For valuable star notes:
- Use acid-free currency sleeves
- Store flat (no folding!)
- Keep away from light and humidity
- Consider professional grading for notes worth $100+
Finding Star Notes in Circulation
Star notes are still being produced today, so you can find them in regular circulation.
Tips for Finding Stars
- Get new bills from banks - Ask for bills in sequence
- Check your wallet regularly - People spend them unknowingly
- Pay with $20s, get change in $1s - More chances to find stars
- Ask about $2 bills - $2 star notes are less common
Star Note Hunting Odds
Approximately 1-2% of bills in circulation are star notes. At that rate:
- Check 50-100 bills to likely find one star
- Finding a rare star (under 640K run) might take checking thousands
How to Check Star Note Value with CashScan
The CashScan app makes identifying star notes easy:
- Open the app
- Point your camera at the bill
- CashScan identifies the series and denomination
- Note whether it shows a star designation
- Research the print run for that specific series/district
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all star notes worth money?
No. Most star notes from high-volume print runs are worth only face value. Only star notes from low print runs, in good condition, or with fancy serial numbers are worth a premium.
Why is there a star on my dollar bill?
The star indicates it's a replacement note. When a bill was damaged during printing, your star note was printed to replace it and keep serial numbers in sequence.
How rare are star notes?
About 1-2% of all U.S. currency consists of star notes. Finding one isn't rare, but finding a VALUABLE one requires a low print run, which is much less common.
Do star notes increase in value over time?
Valuable star notes (low print runs, good condition) can appreciate over time as they're removed from circulation. Common star notes are unlikely to increase beyond face value.
Should I spend my star note?
If it's from a common print run (over 3.2 million) and circulated, go ahead; it's worth face value. If it's uncirculated or from a low print run, consider keeping it.
What's the most valuable star note?
Error star notes and extremely low print runs can be worth thousands. A 1928 $1,000 star note sold for over $2 million, though that's an extreme example!
Conclusion
Star notes add an interesting dimension to currency collecting. While most are worth exactly face value, finding one from a low print run in uncirculated condition can yield a nice windfall. Combine star notes with other valuable features like the ones listed in our rare dollar bills worth money guide for maximum collectibility.
The key is knowing what you have. Check your star notes against print run data, assess the condition honestly, and you'll know whether you've got a $1 bill or a $100 collectible.
Got a star note? Scan it with CashScan to instantly identify the series, then research whether your specific run is rare.
Download CashScan free on the App Store to identify any bill instantly.
