It Could Be a Star Note Worth Over $43000 : Have you ever looked closely at the dollar bills in your wallet? Most people don’t think twice before spending a simple $1 note. But what if that ordinary-looking bill is actually a rare treasure? Collectors are going crazy over certain $1 bills because of a printing mistake. These special notes, called star notes, can fetch thousands of dollars at auctions. One such bill might be hiding in your pocket right now, and it could change your day. Stories like this remind us that everyday money sometimes holds big surprises.
What Makes a Star Note Special?
Star notes come into play when there is a problem during printing. The US government prints billions of bills each year. If some get damaged or have errors, they replace them with new ones marked by a star at the end of the serial number. This star shows it’s a replacement. Not all star notes are valuable, but some from certain years stand out. For example, in 2014 and 2016, a big mix-up happened. Two different printing places used the same serial numbers by mistake. This created duplicate numbers, which is very rare. Normally, every bill has a unique number, like a fingerprint. When this error occurs, collectors pay top dollar for them.
The Big Printing Error Explained
The mistake involved about 6.4 million $1 bills from the 2013 series. These were printed in New York and Washington DC. Because of the error, some bills share the same serial number. To spot a potential winner, check for a few things. The bill should have “Series 2013” printed on the right side near George Washington’s picture. Above the serial number, there should be a “B” seal for the Federal Reserve. The serial number must end with a star and fall in specific ranges. If you find two bills with the exact same number, one with a star and one without, that’s a matching pair. Such pairs are super rare. Only nine have been found so far. Depending on how clean and new the bills look, a pair can sell for between $20,000 and $150,000. That’s why some single star notes from this batch go for over $43,000 if they might complete a pair.
How to Check Your $1 Bills
Don’t throw away your change without looking. Grab your $1 bills and examine them under good light. Focus on the serial number, which is the green code on both sides of the bill. If it ends with a star, note it down. Then check online tools or apps for star note values. Websites like the Bureau of Engraving and Printing have info on print runs. If your bill matches the error batch, take it to a coin shop or expert for checking. They can tell if it’s real and what it might be worth. Remember, condition matters a lot. A wrinkled bill is still good, but a crisp one brings more money. Many people have found these by accident in their daily cash.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Series Year | 2013 |
| Federal Reserve Seal | B (above serial number) |
| Serial Number Range | B00000001★ to B00250000★ or B03200001★ to B09600000★ |
| Key Feature | Ends with star (★), potential duplicate serial |
Stories of Lucky Finds
Imagine getting a $1 bill as change from a shop and later selling it for thousands. This has happened to a few lucky folks. One collector found a star note in his wallet and paired it with another from an auction. The set sold for $150,000. Another person spotted one in grandma’s old purse. These tales show anyone can strike gold. But be careful of fakes. Always get expert advice before selling. With more people aware now, the hunt is on. Next time you get cash, pause and check. That simple $1 might be your ticket to a windfall.
Why Collectors Love These Bills
Collectors chase these notes because errors are like hidden gems in money history. The US printing system is very strict, so mistakes are few. When they happen, it creates buzz. Values keep rising as fewer pairs are out there. If you have one, hold on or sell wisely. Even if not this exact error, other star notes from old years can be worth $500 or more. Keep learning about currency. It turns boring bills into exciting stories. Who knows, your next coffee change could make you rich.