Star Note Lookup

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About Star Notes

What is a Star Note?

Star notes are replacement notes printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing when the original notes are damaged during the printing process. These notes feature a star symbol (*) at the end of the serial number instead of a suffix letter.

Why are they valuable?

Star notes are typically printed in smaller quantities than regular notes, making them more collectible. The value depends on factors like rarity, condition, and the specific production run size. Some star notes are worth only face value while others can be worth significantly more to collectors.

How to identify?

Look for a star symbol (*) at the end of the serial number. This symbol replaces the letter suffix that would normally appear. For example, A12345678* instead of A12345678B.

Rarity Categories

Common

Over 640,000 notes printed

Scarce

Between 320,000 and 640,000 notes

Rare

Between 32,000 and 320,000 notes

Very Rare

Fewer than 32,000 notes

When the Bureau of Engraving and Printing produces US currency, quality control occasionally catches defective notes before they enter circulation — misprints, ink errors, or paper flaws that make a note unsuitable for release. Rather than leave a gap in the serial number sequence, which would disrupt the strict accountability system used to track every note printed, the BEP replaces those defective notes with specially marked replacements. These replacement notes are identified by a star symbol (★) at the end of the serial number in place of the letter suffix that would normally appear. A regular note might read A12345678B; the star note replacing it reads A12345678★. That small star is what makes these notes interesting to collectors.

Star notes are inherently produced in smaller quantities than standard notes, because they only exist to replace a subset of a larger print run. But not all star notes are equal in rarity or value — what matters most is the size of the specific production run the star note belongs to. A run of 3.2 million star notes is relatively common and carries only a modest premium over face value. A run of 50,000 or fewer is genuinely rare and can be worth significantly more to serious collectors. Without knowing the run size tied to a specific serial number, there is no reliable way to assess whether a given star note is worth holding onto or simply worth spending.

The Star Note Lookup tool solves this by pulling up the production data associated with any star note serial number. You enter the serial number — including the star symbol if present — select the denomination, and the tool returns the full details tied to that specific note, including the series year, the issuing Federal Reserve Bank, the estimated run size for that production batch, the rarity classification, and an estimated collector value range. The tool also stores up to 20 recent searches in a history tab, so you can revisit previous lookups or run batch checks without retyping.

Rarity is classified across four tiers based on production run size:

  • Common — Over 640,000 notes printed in the run. These carry minimal premiums and are typically worth only slightly above face value.
  • Scarce — Between 320,000 and 640,000 notes. Modestly collectible, worth a small premium in good condition.
  • Rare — Between 32,000 and 320,000 notes. Meaningfully collectible, with value depending heavily on condition and denomination.
  • Very Rare — Fewer than 32,000 notes printed. The most sought-after by collectors, often commanding significant premiums especially in uncirculated condition.

To use the tool, enter the serial number from the face of the note into the search field — the star symbol can be included or omitted and the tool will recognise the note either way — then select the denomination from the dropdown and click Search. Results appear immediately, covering every detail needed to assess the note’s collector significance. The Learn tab within the tool provides background on what star notes are, how to identify them, and what drives their value, making it a useful reference for anyone new to currency collecting.

This tool is most useful for people who come across star notes in everyday cash, want to quickly decide whether to set a note aside before spending it, and do not have time to cross-reference printed guides or auction records. It is equally valuable for established collectors screening notes for their collection, for dealers assessing the value of notes brought in for sale or trade, and for anyone who has inherited a collection of currency and wants to understand whether any star notes in it carry meaningful collector value beyond their printed denomination.

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