Collecting rare currency has long been a fascinating hobby, but star notes on $1 bills are particularly exciting. Star notes, recognizable by the asterisk (*) at the end of their serial numbers, are issued to replace faulty notes during production.
While many of these notes are worth only face value, certain ones can fetch significant sums at auctions due to their rarity and historical significance.
In this article, we’ll explore the top five star notes on $1 bills that are worth a fortune, providing detailed information on what makes them valuable, how to identify them, and current market trends.
5 Star Notes on $1 Bills That Are Worth a Fortune
1. 2013B Duplicate Serial Star Notes
The 2013B series is perhaps the most famous modern error in star notes. Due to a printing mishap, two batches of star notes with identical serial numbers were produced, creating pairs of duplicate notes.
With only 6.4 million notes printed, collectors scramble to find matching pairs, which can fetch between $20,000 and $150,000, depending on condition.
- Series: 2013B
- Federal Reserve Bank: New York (B)
- Value: Up to $150,000 for matching pairs
- Rarity: Extremely high, only nine pairs found so far
- Identification: Serial numbers ending between B00000001* and B00250000* or B03200001* and B09600000*.
2. 2009A $1 Star Notes
Although not as rare as the 2013B series, the 2009A star notes still hold significant value, particularly those printed in smaller runs. Collectors prize these notes for their relative scarcity and often seek them out in high grades.
- Series: 2009A
- Federal Reserve Bank: Various
- Value: Up to $500 in uncirculated condition
- Rarity: Moderate
- Identification: Look for star notes with low serial numbers and those printed in smaller batches.
3. 1988A $1 Star Notes
This series is another favorite among collectors. These star notes have gained value due to their age and limited production. In circulated condition, they can fetch $20 to $100, but high-grade uncirculated examples can go for much more.
- Series: 1988A
- Federal Reserve Bank: Various
- Value: Up to $300 in uncirculated condition
- Rarity: Moderate
- Identification: Star notes from smaller production runs.
4. 1995 $1 Star Notes
Though not as rare as other star notes, certain print runs from the 1995 series, especially from specific Federal Reserve Banks, are worth more due to smaller production numbers. The value of these star notes increases when they are in crisp, uncirculated condition.
- Series: 1995
- Federal Reserve Bank: Various
- Value: Up to $200
- Rarity: Moderate
- Identification: Look for star notes printed in smaller quantities from banks like New York (B) and Chicago (G).
5. 1963B $1 Star Notes
The 1963B star notes, produced in small quantities, are incredibly rare and sought after by collectors. Unlike the massive print runs of later years, these notes were only printed in limited amounts. Some pristine, uncirculated star notes from this series have been known to sell for over $1,000.
- Series: 1963B
- Federal Reserve Bank: New York (B)
- Value: Up to $1,000 in pristine condition
- Rarity: High
- Identification: Star notes with serial numbers ending in *.
| Star Note Series | Federal Reserve Bank | Max Value | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013B | New York (B) | $150,000 | Extremely High |
| 1963B | New York (B) | $1,000 | High |
| 2009A | Various | $500 | Moderate |
| 1988A | Various | $300 | Moderate |
| 1995 | Various | $200 | Moderate |
How to Determine if Your Star Note is Valuable
If you’re lucky enough to own a star note, several factors determine its value:
- Condition: The better the condition, the higher the value. Crisp, uncirculated notes are the most valuable.
- Print Run: Smaller print runs generally mean higher rarity, which drives up value.
- Age: Older star notes are often worth more due to their historical significance.
- Serial Number: Low serial numbers (00000001-00001000) or fancy serial numbers can significantly increase a note’s value.
- Federal Reserve Bank: Notes from certain Federal Reserve Banks (like New York or Chicago) are more sought after, especially when combined with low print runs.
Conclusion
Star notes on $1 bills can be a treasure trove for collectors, with certain notes fetching thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
By understanding the factors that contribute to a star note’s value—condition, print run size, and rarity—you can determine whether the bill in your wallet is worth more than its face value.
For collectors, finding rare star notes can be a rewarding hobby that sometimes turns into a significant financial windfall.
FAQs
1. What is a star note?
A star note is a replacement bill issued by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to replace notes that were damaged or misprinted during production. These notes are identified by a star (*) at the end of their serial number.
2. How can I tell if my star note is valuable?
To determine if your star note is valuable, consider its condition, print run size, and age. Notes from small print runs, older series, or with low serial numbers are often more valuable. Use tools like the Star Note Lookup to check its rarity.
3. What is the most valuable star note?
The most valuable modern star note is the 2013B series with duplicate serial numbers, which can fetch between $20,000 and $150,000 if you find a matching pair.
4. Why are smaller print runs more valuable?
Smaller print runs mean fewer notes were produced, making them harder to find. Collectors prize these rare notes, especially when they are in pristine condition.
5. Where can I sell my star notes?
You can sell star notes through online auction sites, currency dealers, or specialty collector platforms. It’s recommended to have your note graded to ensure you get the best value.
References
- Variety Errors – Star Note Lookup and Data
- Star Note Lookup Tool – starnotelookup.org
- Wealthy Nickel – Check Your Wallet for These $1 Bills
- Coin Value Lookup – 12 Most Valuable $1 Dollar Bills
