What is a Star Note? 🤔
• A Star Note, also commonly referred to as a Replacement Note, can be identified by a star (✫) at either the prefix (silver certificates, gold certificates, and legal tender notes) or the suffix (federal reserve notes) of a banknote's serial number.
• When a sheet of freshly printed banknotes is examined, and there seems to be a flaw with the final product after several quality check reviews, the Federal Reserve will dispose of the defective sheet(s) and print new bills with a star (✫), as compared to the block letter (A - Z excluding O and Z), which the previous misprinted notes' serial numbers contained.
• The rarity of these banknotes typically depends on the print-run (how many were printed in the run in total); however, several other factors can contribute to this indication such as the issue (or series), whether it was a regular print-run or a sheet print-run, etc.
• Occasionally, rather newer Federal Reserve Star Notes can be found in your everyday pocket change from either the grocery store cashier or gas station clerk, or potentially an ATM machine.
Have you ever found a Star Note, and if so, where? ðŸ§
Comments
AC Coin$🌎
Level 6
They're everywhere. However, in ATMs and on the streets are becoming common use. Department stores cashiers do notice them but keep circulating them as they go in or out. They appear even at thrift shops. Somehow and oddly enough when moving or exchanging bank cash, the fourth note is a starred item. They are worth a great collector's feeling and attention. Never give up. Good information, thanks for sharing it.
PittsburghCoin
Level 3
I couldn't have said it better myself - they are everywhere! Thank you for your contribution to the discussion/blog, @AC coin$!
Haney
Level 4
Being the treasurer for my local coin club surprisingly I found three in a deposit a couple of months ago. Nothing to write home about but still switched them out to add to the others I have found over the years.
PittsburghCoin
Level 3
That is quite surprising/ironic, especially considering it is a coin club, @Haney! Thank you for your contribution to the discussion/forum.
It's Mokie
Level 6
I recently received a $100 bill from the bank with a Star. Although it was painful, I have decided to keep it. (:
PittsburghCoin
Level 3
That can always be a difficult decision, @It's Mokie. Thank you for your comment!
coinsbygary
Level 5
I just had a series 1953-C $2 star United States note certified by PMG. It came back as a 64 exceptional paper quality. I bought it before the new 1976 $2 notes came out. I just didn't know at the time that we had $2 notes at one time and I thought it was affordable and cool. Much later after the new notes were printed I bought a 32-note sheet!
PittsburghCoin
Level 3
That's incredible, @coinsbygary! A 64 is a rather impressive grade, especially for a raw 1953 note. - Even more impressive that you had purchased/acquired it that far back! Thank you for your contribution to the discussion.
Kepi
Level 6
I have a few in my collection. They are very cool indeed! ; )
PittsburghCoin
Level 3
Everybody needs at least one in their possession! :P Thank you for the kind comment, @Kepi. :)
Longstrider
Level 6
I collect a few of them. My coin dealer like to give them out as change to see if the customer is paying attention. Good luck.
PittsburghCoin
Level 3
That's awesome @Longstrider! We typically do the same or spend the ones that have no significance/customer desire after a few months of "shelf life". Thanks!
Mike
Level 7
I like the old star notes. And the ones that came with the 1993 Jefferson Decimal set only five digits and star notes. That came in most of the sets. Not all . Good blog thanks for the information. And Welcome!!
PittsburghCoin
Level 3
Thank you for the kind comment, and we're glad to be here, @Mike! Planning on contributing more wisdom in the near future. By the way, those are some pretty neat notes!
TCHTrove
Level 4
Yes, I have quite a few star notes. Most recently, a series 2017A $1 note. Mostly find $1 star notes in recent issues, but I have come across other denominations as well.. I have pictures of a few of them on my blog from 03 Sept.
PittsburghCoin
Level 3
That's great to hear, @TCHTrove! Thank you for contributing to the forum/discussion. I will make sure to check out your blog!