In a story that blends everyday life with a stroke of numismatic luck, a seemingly ordinary $1 bill dropped into a restaurant tip jar turned out to be a rare and highly collectible star note—and it’s now worth far more than face value.
What was once just a small tip has become a prized piece of currency history, reminding us that treasures can sometimes be hiding in plain sight.
What Is a Star Note, and Why Is It So Special?
A star note is a replacement bill issued by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). These notes are printed when an error is found on a sheet of bills, and rather than repeating the serial number, the BEP prints a new bill with the same number but adds a small star (★) at the end.
Because they’re only printed as needed—and often in small batches—star notes are significantly rarer than regular notes. Some are quite common, but others, especially from low print runs, can be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars to collectors.
The Tip Jar Discovery That Shocked Collectors
The story began innocently enough. A restaurant server emptied their shift’s tip jar and noticed an odd dollar bill. It looked normal at first, but a tiny star at the end of the serial number caught their eye. Curious, they searched online and discovered it was a rare star note from a limited print run.
Upon further investigation and professional appraisal, it turned out that the note had come from a very short production batch—fewer than 320,000 printed, which is exceptionally rare in the world of U.S. currency. Combined with its excellent condition, the bill quickly gained interest from collectors.
Within weeks, offers started coming in, and the once-humble tip turned into a collector’s treasure, with offers reaching several hundred dollars—a huge leap from its original $1 face value.
Why Are Some Star Notes Worth So Much?
The value of a star note depends on several factors:
- Print Run Size: The fewer notes printed, the rarer (and more valuable) the note is.
- Condition: Uncirculated or crisp notes fetch higher prices. Even slight folds or wear can reduce value.
- Series and District: Older notes or those from certain Federal Reserve Banks (like New York or San Francisco) are more collectible.
- Denomination: While $1 star notes are popular, rarer denominations like $5, $10, and $100 star notes can command even higher prices.
- Matching Serial Numbers: Repeating numbers or patterns (e.g., 00000001★ or 12344321★) are highly sought after.
How to Identify a Star Note
Want to check if you’re holding a star note? Look closely at the serial number—the string of numbers on the top left and bottom right of the bill.
- If the serial number ends with a ★, congratulations—you have a star note!
- The star replaces the usual final letter in the serial number.
- Make note of the series year and the Federal Reserve Bank letter (A–L) to assess potential value.
Where Can You Find Star Notes?
Believe it or not, star notes are still in circulation. You can find them:
- In your wallet
- In tip jars
- In ATM withdrawals
- In bank rolls
- In change from stores
- Inside old birthday cards or saved cash gifts
Because most people don’t know what a star note is, these bills often go unnoticed and are spent like regular money.
How to Check a Star Note’s Value
If you think you’ve found a star note, follow these steps:
- Use a Star Note Lookup Tool
Websites like MyCurrencyCollection.com or Star Note Lookup allow you to enter the serial number and series to see the print run size and rarity. - Check the Condition
Use the currency grading scale (from “Poor” to “Gem Uncirculated”) to judge its state. The better the condition, the higher the value. - Compare Sales
Look at eBay, Heritage Auctions, or PCGS Currency listings to see what similar star notes have sold for recently. - Get a Professional Appraisal
If you think your note is rare, consider having it professionally graded by PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) or PCGS Currency.
Why This Matters to Collectors and Everyday People
This tip jar discovery is a perfect example of how rare collectibles don’t always come in shiny cases. Sometimes, they’re hidden in the smallest of places—tip jars, pockets, or even dusty shoeboxes under the bed.
The story also reignites public interest in paper currency collecting, an often-overlooked hobby that can be both fun and rewarding.
For the lucky finder, it was a reminder to always keep an eye out. For the rest of us, it might just be the push to start checking our bills a little more closely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is a star note?
A star note is a replacement bill issued when the U.S. Mint detects a printing error. It features a star symbol (★) at the end of the serial number, making it stand out from regular bills.
2. Are all star notes valuable?
No. While all star notes are technically rarer than standard bills, only some—especially those from small print runs or older series—are worth significantly more than face value.
3. How can I check if my star note is rare?
Use online tools like the Star Note Lookup or MyCurrencyCollection to see how many were printed. Star notes from print runs under 640,000 are generally more valuable.
4. What should I do if I find a rare star note?
Keep it in good condition (don’t fold it or write on it), and consider getting it professionally graded. You can also list it on auction or collector sites to see what buyers are willing to pay.