A small star sign is at the bottom of the serial number in a star note. Star notes are a unique denomination of United States currency bill. Owing to their production as replacement bills when there is damage or defectiveness in issues and to the small print runs, collectors are extremely keen about buying them.
Many of these star notes are considered extremely rare and may be worth far more than their face value. This depends on several factors including the print run, denomination, issuing district, and general condition of the note.
There are nine rare star notes that can be more than their face value. Whether you are a collector or just wondering about the value of star notes, here are nine examples of star notes that are really rare.
Rare Star Notes That Could Be Worth More Than Face Value
1. 1928 $10,000 Gold Certificate Star Note
The 1928 $10,000 Gold Certificate star note is one of the rarest star notes in existence and a real collector’s dream.
Of these notes, only two are known to exist; in 2013, one of them was sold at an auction, for the price of $2.5 million making it most expensive United States banknote in the history of selling. Because of this, it is one of the most valuable star notes in the history of the world.
2. 1950 $20 Star Notes
These can be worth anywhere from fifty dollars to six hundred dollars, depending on the denomination and the quality, particularly if they are in Very Fine (VF) or greater condition. They are correlated to the age of the note as well as to how much value it might attract on the market.
3. 1934 Chicago $5000 Federal Reserve Star Note
Another extremely rare piece is the 1934 Chicago $5000 star note. There is only one confirmed star note of this series and denomination known to exist; it sold at auction in 2008 for $1.8 million. This note would be considered the most valuable among the star notes due to its rarity.
4. 2003 $1 Star Note (Low Print Runs)
It is also true that star notes, printed in relatively small quantities, can be worth quite a lot more than face value. For example, the FRB note published in 2003 for face value, $1 is very rare. The collectors are ready to buy these because it’s much harder to find them circulating as the number was so small.
5. 1969B $20 Federal Reserve Note (Kansas City District)
This star note is relatively rare, particularly when it is from a state not issued. The 1969B $20 note Kansas City district. It only had less than 175,000 notes printed. This note can sell for anywhere between $750 and more depending on condition.
6. 1995 $100 Federal Reserve Star Note
Higher denomination star notes are much scarcer compared to the $1 or $5 star notes. Even so, if in circulation, a 1995 $100 star note can go up to as much as $300. The prices are even much higher for the star notes that were printed with small quantities or special Federal Reserve district. These notes can bring about even higher prices if not widely disseminated.
7. 1981 $10 Minneapolis Star Note
Although not extremely rare, the Minneapolis district’s star note from 1981 is special. The issuance of this particular star note amounts to only 180,000 from the total, but their market value is between $120 and $450 on its condition. Star notes relating to low print runs are highly sought after among collectors.
8. Series 1935 and 1957 $1 Star Notes
Especially scarce, are the star notes added to the older series. While average samples range from $3 to $8, those pieces that never went through circulation can retail from $100 to $300. Because these notes are relatively more available, it makes them an excellent starting point for new collectors.
Rare Star Notes and Their Estimated Values
| Star Note | Print Run Size | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1928 $10,000 Gold Certificate | 2 | Uncirculated | $2.5 million |
| 1934 Chicago $5000 Federal Reserve | 1 | Uncirculated | $1.8 million |
| 2003 $1 “D” Federal Reserve Note | 320,000 | Fine-Uncirculated | $50-$300 |
| 1950 $20 Star Notes | Varies | VF-Uncirculated | $50-$600 |
| 1969B $20 Kansas City District | 175,000 | VF-Uncirculated | $125-$750 |
| 1981 $10 Minneapolis Star Note | 180,000 | VF-Uncirculated | $120-$450 |
| 1995 $100 Federal Reserve Star Note | Low print run | Circulated | $150-$300 |
| 1935 and 1957 $1 Star Notes | Varies | Circulated | $3-$300 |
| 1977A $10 Minneapolis Star Note | 640,000 | VF-Uncirculated | $50-$175 |
Factors That Influence the Value of Star Notes
The price of star notes depends on several factors, but the following are among the determining factors. The print run determines the value and rarity of the produced notes.
- The smaller the print run the rarer and valuable the notes are.
- More denomination stars such as fifty dollars, one hundred dollars tend to be more demanding to find, and therefore more pricey.
- Condition: Non-circulated or mint condition notes are significantly more valuable than circulated ones, that have worn out partially on certain portions.
- Issuing District: The greater the difficulty in sourcing some of these Federal Reserve districts’ star notes compared to others increase the overall value.
Conclusion
The world of oddball money can be seen in a fascinating sense in star notes. High mint condition, low print runs, or districts of issue can make some star notes bring handsome sums at auction, but not every star note has a value greater than its face value.
No matter what type, you should always check your wallet for these precious dollars, be you an experienced collector or a curious beginner.
FAQs
Are there any risks involved?
Yes, market fluctuations and authenticity concerns.
What condition affects note value?
Grading and preservation impact worth.
Are all auction notes valuable?
No, only rare and significant ones.