Discover the $65,000 Star Note: Could You Be Holding a Fortune
Have you ever looked closely at the paper money in your wallet or pocket? Most people don’t give much thought to dollar bills. We use them every day, pass them along, and rarely notice the small details. But what if one of those bills was actually worth thousands of dollars?
Believe it or not, there are special dollar bills known as “Star Notes” that could be worth up to $65,000 — and some of them are still out there. That means you might already be holding one without even knowing it.
In this article, we’ll break down what Star Notes are, why they’re so valuable, how to spot one, and what to do if you find one in your hands.
What Is a Star Note?
When the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing makes a mistake during the printing of a bill, that bill has to be destroyed. To replace it, the government prints another note with the same serial number — but adds a star (*) at the end to show it’s a replacement.
This bill is called a Star Note. Most of the time, these bills are rare because only a limited number are printed. That’s what makes them so attractive to collectors.
While not every Star Note is valuable, some — especially those with unique serial numbers or rare printing years — can be worth thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.
Overview Table: Types of Star Notes and Estimated Value
| Type of Star Note | Description | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| $1 Star Note (Modern, Common) | Circulated and mass-produced | $1 to $5 |
| $1 Star Note (Low Serial #) | Serial numbers starting with many zeros | $50 to $500 |
| $5 or $10 Star Note (Older Series) | Limited release, rare years | $100 to $2,000 |
| $100 Star Note (Uncirculated) | Rare, high-value collectors’ item | $500 to $10,000 |
| Ultra-Rare $1 Star Note | Unique combo of rarity + low serial | Up to $65,000 |
How to Identify a Star Note
Finding a Star Note is actually easy — if you know where to look. Just glance at the serial number on the front of your paper bill.
Regular bills have serial numbers made of letters and numbers. But a Star Note will have a star symbol (*) at the end of the serial number, replacing the final letter.
Example:
Regular note: B12345678D
Star note: B12345678*
The rest of the bill looks exactly the same. But that little star changes everything.
What Makes a Star Note Worth $65,000?
While many Star Notes are only slightly more valuable than their face value, some are extremely rare and in high demand. Here’s what collectors look for in the rarest and most valuable ones:
-
Low Serial Numbers: A bill with a serial number like 00000001* is highly collectible.
-
High Condition (Uncirculated): A Star Note that looks brand new, with no folds or stains, is worth more.
-
Rare Print Runs: Some Star Notes come from very limited batches. These are hard to find and often worth thousands.
-
Unique Combinations: A rare Star Note with a repeating or “fancy” serial number (like 77777777*) can fetch a huge price.
One such bill, discovered in perfect condition and with a rare serial number, was valued at $65,000. That’s a massive amount of money for something that looks just like an ordinary dollar bill.
Where Can You Find Star Notes?
The exciting part? You don’t need to go to an auction or be a collector to find one. Star Notes can appear anywhere. Here’s where people have found them:
-
In Their Wallets
-
At ATMs
-
From Bank Withdrawals
-
While Counting Change at Work
-
In Old Saved Cash Envelopes or Collections
Most people never check the serial numbers on their bills, so these treasures often go unnoticed for years.
What To Do If You Find a Star Note
If you think you’ve found a Star Note, here’s what to do next:
-
Don’t Spend It – Set it aside immediately.
-
Check Its Condition – If it’s crisp, clean, and looks unused, it’s more valuable.
-
Look at the Serial Number – The lower or more unique it is, the more it’s worth.
-
Compare It Online – Look up similar Star Notes to see if yours is rare.
-
Get It Appraised – Take it to a coin and currency dealer or a currency grading service for a professional opinion.
Even if it’s not worth $65,000, some Star Notes can still sell for a few hundred dollars — not bad for something you got as change.
FAQs
Q1: Are all Star Notes valuable?
No, not all of them. Most are only slightly more valuable than face value. However, rare ones in great condition with special serial numbers can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Q2: Can I find a Star Note in my everyday money?
Yes! Star Notes are still printed today and can end up in your wallet, from an ATM, or as part of your change.
Q3: How can I increase the value of my Star Note?
Keep it in excellent condition. Don’t fold it, write on it, or store it in a wallet. Place it in a protective sleeve and avoid handling it too much.
Q4: What is the most valuable Star Note ever found?
One of the most valuable Star Notes reported was a $1 bill with a rare serial number and perfect condition — valued at up to $65,000.
Q5: Where can I sell a valuable Star Note?
You can sell it through a currency dealer, at auctions, or online marketplaces. But make sure to get it professionally appraised first.
Final Thoughts
The next time you’re handed change at the store or take cash out of an ATM, take a second to look at the serial numbers. A simple star at the end could mean you’re holding a bill worth more than some people’s cars.
Star Notes are hidden treasures in plain sight. And while not all of them are worth thousands, the right one could be your lucky ticket. So, keep an eye out — your next dollar might just be worth $65,000.