Star Note Lookup

Star Note Lookup is the easiest way to check if your dollar bill is worth more than its face value. If your bill ends with a star symbol (★), it might be rare. Many people spend them without knowing.

So, if your dollar bill has a star at the end of the serial number, you might be holding a rare collector’s item. Here’s how to find out.

What Is a Star Note?

A Star Note is a replacement U.S. banknote issued by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) when a bill is found to be damaged or misprinted during production. Instead of reusing the original serial number, the BEP prints a new note with a star symbol (★) at the end of the serial. This small star makes it easy to identify and adds collector appeal.

These notes are available across all major U.S. denominations including $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills. While most star notes are common and used in daily circulation, some become valuable collectibles based on:

• Print run size
• Note condition
• Serial number patterns

Because they’re only created to replace faulty notes, star notes are printed in limited quantities, which increases their rarity and demand among currency collectors.

Why Are Star Notes Valuable?

Unlike standard notes, star notes are only printed to replace errors. This means their print runs are limited, often making them rarer by default. A lower supply, combined with demand from collectors, can significantly increase a star note’s value.

Factors That Affect Star Note Value:

• Print run size – Smaller runs = higher rarity
• Series year and denomination – Some years are more collectible than others
• Note condition – Uncirculated, crisp notes fetch higher prices
• Serial number uniqueness – Repeating or fancy numbers are highly prized

Example: A $1 star note from a limited print run can be worth $10 to $20 or more depending on condition.

How to Identify a Star Note?

Spotting a star note is simple. Just examine the serial number:

• A ★ appears at the end of the serial (e.g., B12345678★)
• It replaces the final letter used in standard serial numbers

You can find star notes in everyday places: cash registers, wallets, or banks. Since they’re not marked as valuable by design, many people overlook them.

What Is a Star Note Lookup Tool?

A Star Note Lookup Tool helps collectors verify the rarity and print data of a note. By entering key information, you can learn:

• Total number of star notes printed for your bill
• Which facility printed it (Fort Worth, TX or Washington, D.C.)
• Rarity level based on print run size

The most widely used tool is available at MyCurrencyCollection.com, which uses data from the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve.

How to Use a Star Note Lookup Tool?

Follow these steps to check your note’s rarity:

1. Visit the Lookup Tool – Go to mycurrencycollection.com
2. Select the Denomination – Choose your bill: $1, $5, $10, etc.
3. Enter the Series Year – Find it on the front of the note
4. Choose the Federal Reserve District – Use the seal’s letter and number (e.g., B2 = New York)
5. Select the Printing Facility – Fort Worth notes show an “FW” near the lower right serial number
6. Check Print Run and Rarity – View how rare your note is

Example:

You have a 2017 $1 star note with a B2 seal (New York) printed in Fort Worth. After using the tool, you learn it had a print run of only 320,000. This is considered rare, and such a note in good condition might be worth $15 or more.

Understanding Star Note Print Runs

Star notes are printed in specific batches. Print runs can vary greatly, and this influences their rarity.

Print Run Tiers:

• Common: 3.2 million notes
• Less Common: 1.28 million or 640,000
• Rare: 320,000 or fewer

This data is not printed on the note. You’ll need the Star Note Lookup Tool to access official BEP production records.

Where Are Star Notes Printed?

The U.S. Department of the Treasury operates two major currency printing facilities:

• Washington, D.C.
• Fort Worth, Texas – Look for “FW” near the lower serial number

Knowing the facility is crucial for identifying your note’s print batch, especially when comparing notes with similar serials and series.

Which Star Notes Are the Most Valuable?

Not all star notes are valuable   but certain features can make some worth far more than face value.

High-Value Traits:

• Low serial numbers – (e.g., 00000001★)
• Fancy numbers – Patterns like 12344321★ or 88888888★
• Small print runs – Especially 320,000 or fewer
• Mint condition – Crisp, clean notes are in high demand

Some rare examples have sold for over $100 in auctions and online marketplaces like eBay or Heritage Auctions.

Star Note vs. Regular Note: What’s the Difference?

Feature	Regular Note	Star Note
Serial Number	Ends with a letter	Ends with a star (★)
Purpose	General circulation	Replacement note
Rarity	Common	Sometimes rare
Collector Value	Face value	Often above face value

Tips for Collecting Star Notes

Want to start your own collection? Here’s how:

• Check your cash regularly – You might already have a star note
• Use protective sleeves – Preserve the condition of rare bills
• Always verify using the lookup tool – Confirm rarity before trading or selling
• Stay informed – Check updates from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and Federal Reserve

Trusted Sources for Star Note Information

Use only reliable, official sources to research and verify information:

• Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP)
• Federal Reserve Board
• My Currency Collection – Star Note Lookup Tool

These sources ensure you’re using fact-based, up-to-date information from government-backed platforms.

Conclusion:

Star notes may look like ordinary bills, but they can hold hidden value. Whether you’re an experienced collector or just curious about a dollar in your pocket, a quick check with a trusted Star Note Lookup Tool can reveal if you’ve got a rare piece of U.S. currency.

Sometimes, a little ★ makes a big difference.