In an unexpected turn of events
A regular day at a local restaurant turned exciting when a worker found a rare $1 Star Note in the tip jar. What looked like a normal dollar turned out to be a collector’s treasure.
This surprising find shows that valuable items can show up in everyday places.
What Is a Star Note?
A Star Note is a special replacement dollar bill made by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. These are printed when regular bills are damaged or have mistakes.
Instead of reusing the same serial number, the new bill gets a different number that ends with a star. Because of this, Star Notes are rare and often sought after by collectors.
The Tip Jar Discovery
While counting tips, a restaurant worker noticed a $1 bill with a star at the end of its serial number. After a closer look, it turned out to be a 2013 Series B Star Note—a rare version because of a printing mistake.
This series is special because two sets of notes with the same serial numbers were printed—one batch from New York and another from Washington, D.C. Only a few matching pairs exist, making them very valuable.
Identifying Valuable Star Notes
To know if a Star Note is worth money, look at these details:
- Series Year: Some years are more valuable. The 2013 Series B is popular due to the printing error.
- Serial Number Range: Valuable notes fall within certain number ranges, like B00000001★ – B00250000★ and B03200001★ – B09600000★.
- Condition: Bills that look new or uncirculated are worth more.
- Rarity: The fewer notes made in a batch, the more valuable they are.
Notable Star Notes and Their Estimated Values
| Series Year | Federal Reserve Bank | Serial Number Range | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | New York (B) | B00000001★ – B00250000★ | Up to $150,000 |
| 2013 | Washington, D.C. (B) | B03200001★ – B09600000★ | Up to $150,000 |
| 2017 | Various | Low Serial Numbers | $50 – $1,000+ |
| 2009 | Various | Rare Print Runs | $20 – $500+ |
Why Collectors Are Enthusiastic
Collectors love Star Notes because each one tells a unique story. The 2013 Series B is especially interesting because of the rare duplication error—two identical notes from different locations.
Owning both bills from one of these rare pairs is like finding a matching set of rare gems. It’s a big deal for collectors.
How to Check If You Have a Valuable Star Note
- Look at the Serial Number: It should end with a star (★).
- Find the Series Year: This is printed near the portrait.
- Check the Federal Reserve Letter: A letter like ‘B’ for New York shows which bank issued it.
- Use Online Tools: Websites like MyCurrencyCollection.com can help you check if your note is rare.
Finding that rare $1 bill in a tip jar is a great reminder that collectible items can be hiding in plain sight. Whether you’re a collector or just curious, take a moment to check your cash—you might discover something valuable.
FAQs
What makes the 2013 Series B Star Notes valuable?
A printing mistake led to two sets of bills with the same serial numbers, which is very rare. Matching pairs are especially valuable.
How do I find out how much my Star Note is worth?
Check the year, serial number, condition, and how rare it is. Use websites or ask a currency expert.
Are all Star Notes worth money?
Not always. While each one is unique, only some are rare enough to be valuable.
Where can I sell a rare Star Note?
You can sell them on websites like eBay, to currency dealers, or through auctions that specialize in collectible money.