By CoinWeek …..
Star notes are replacement notes printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) to take the place of notes that had been printed in sequence but were somehow messed up. These are highly collectible bills that can be found in circulation at face value and are a good area of study for new collectors. In our recent survey of eBay results, we discovered three examples that you can still pull from circulation that have sold for sizable premiums.
What Is a Star Note and Why Are They Valuable?
Star Notes get their name from the presence of a star (★) next to their serial number. The practice of using a star to denote a replacement note is longstanding at the BEP – which opens the door for collectors to pursue a wide variety of bills in various denominations and series throughout United States history. It is important to note that star notes are issued in a different numerical sequence than the notes they replace. As quality control at the BEP is typically very high, fewer star notes for each series will be issued than their regular note counterparts.
The headers below are links to the lot listings, though eBay removes listings after three months.
1988A Federal Reserve ‘WEB’ -*STAR* note-fr. 1917-F*–(1/2)–PCGS CU 64 EPQ
This $1 Federal Reserve Note is a scarce WEB Replacement Note. From 1992 to 1996, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing experimented with a rolling press to produce paper money. These notes can be identified by series and serial number, and collectors should refer to the latest edition of Friedberg for the complete listing.
WEB Replacement Notes flew under the radar for several years, so they remain scarce, especially in uncirculated conditions. This example sold on eBay on January 11 for $2,750–a tidy profit for the lucky individual who cherrypicked this star note from circulation.
“Super Rare Single Digit Low Serial Off Center $1 Dollar Star Note #00000006*
Fancy serial numbers are always fun to collect. This note, the sixth in the run, has one of the lowest serial numbers you will ever come across. Only five bills can be lower. Even though the note shows visible wear from circulation–as well as a crease through the portrait–a buyer paid $1,999.
This price seems exorbitant to us, but collectors enthusiastically pursue low-digit paper money. If you find a note with a single- or double-digit serial number, expect strong collector interest in buying it.
Fancy, low, binary, Serial Number 1 Dollar Star Note Bill circulated
Lucky numbers are another niche for paper money collectors. This fancy serial number shows five zeros followed by three eights. In some Asian cultures, the number 8 is considered auspicious. For the Lunar New Year, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing often offers “Lucky Number” notes for sale. This star note, also circulated, sold on eBay for $1,000!
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This article just scratches the surface of the exciting field of paper money collecting. For more about what you can find on a Federal Reserve Note, check out this primer.
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I hve the only mismatch serial number duplicate 2013 b star note how much is is really worth I can match it with three other notes. Cool rite
I’ve star note 2013 b* maybe 5 of them
HI ROSE, remember they have to be 2013B SERIES and start wiyh a 0. Google star note lookup and it will tell you if there is a duplicate out there, also its run and print size and how rare it is.
Good morning Brian You have a great find. I have another fellow who follows my coin and currency show on TickTOK that also has a mismatched serial nimber 2013B Series star note. I thought he had the only one. In actuality I hope your star note starts with a 0. All duplicate star notes must be 2013B Series and start with a 0. Google star note lookup to see if theres a twin. Also if yours is mismatched, your looking for three of the matching serial numbers. Thirdly, google PROJECT 2013B SERIES STAR NOTES and will hopefully help u find your miising serial numbers. Good luck
I have the two $10 star bill and two of the $1 bill with a star
Robert D Shackleford February 19, 2025
I have the two $10 star bill and two of the $1 bill with a star
Condition matters most about the bills that will determine the price along if you have a cool serial number! There are a few factors that will determine the actual price. Also if you google star note lookup and plug in the info ( takes literally a minute) it will tell you the run/ print size, and how rare or less rare it is that will help determine the price on the bill
Do you know of any books to help me identify or sale my star bills and coins
I have a bunch of star notes.
I have some ones some teens in some 20s. How do I know if they are valuable?
And who do I contact to see.
Are you on TICKTOK by chance? If so you can hit me up. Whatever you do , do not take it to pawn or to a coin shop. They will give you a third if that of what its worth. You can also go on EBAY and check recently sold items to get an idea. You van also email me at [email protected].
I have several star notes from 1dollar to 100 dollars and other coins and I’m going to get rid of them do to my health
What you getting rid of?
Sorry to hear about your health Darrell> Ive been a collector for over 30 years. IM not buying right now but you can hit me up where i can give you an idea.