What is a Star Note?
A Star Note is a replacement banknote produced when a note is damaged or found to contain printing defects during production.
Rather than reusing the same serial number, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing prints a replacement note with a star (*) at the beginning or end of the serial number.
For collectors, Star Notes are often more desirable than standard issues because fewer are produced.
However, not every Star Note is rare. Their value depends on several factors including:
- Print run size
- Series
- Condition
- Denomination
- Demand from collectors
Modern Star Notes may only be worth face value, while scarcer examples or older issues can command significant premiums.
When checking a note, simply look for a star replacing the final letter of the serial number.