Rare $1 Star Note Discovered in Tip Jar Becomes a Collector’s Treasure

April 25, 2025April 23, 2025 by Jeffrey T. Poss

What began as just another shift at a local restaurant took an unexpected turn when a staff member stumbled upon a rare $1 Star Note tucked inside a tip jar.

This surprising find turned an ordinary transaction into a treasure hunt, reminding us that even everyday cash can hold hidden value.

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What Is a Star Note?

A Star Note is a unique form of U.S. currency issued by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) as a replacement for bills that were misprinted or damaged during production.

Instead of reprinting the exact serial number, the BEP assigns a new one that ends with a star symbol (★), making it distinct and, in some cases, collectible.

Discovery in the Tip Jar

While collecting tips during a routine shift, an employee noticed a $1 bill with a serial number ending in a star. It turned out to be a 2013 Series B Star Note—a rare version due to a well-known printing mistake.

This particular error involved two separate batches of notes, both featuring identical serial numbers but printed in different facilities—one in New York and the other in Washington, D.C.

The duplicate serial numbers make these notes extremely rare and highly desirable among collectors, especially if both matching notes from each location are found.

How to Identify a Valuable Star Note

Not all Star Notes are valuable, but certain features can indicate a rare and potentially lucrative find. Here’s what to look for:

Series Year: Certain years, such as 2013 (Series B), are known for printing errors that increase value.
Serial Number Range: For 2013 Series B, the ranges B00000001★ to B00250000★ and B03200001★ to B09600000★ are tied to the duplication error.
Condition: Notes in mint or uncirculated condition are worth significantly more than worn ones.
Rarity: Limited production runs or printing errors significantly raise a note’s value.

High-Value Star Notes and Estimated Prices

Series Year	Federal Reserve Bank	Serial Number Range	Approx. 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 batches	$20 – $500+

Why Collectors Love Star Notes

Star Notes have a special appeal to collectors due to their rarity and the intriguing circumstances behind their production. The 2013 Series B notes, for example, stand out due to the duplication error that produced two identical sets from different Federal Reserve Banks. For collectors, finding a matching pair is like striking gold.

How to Check If Your Star Note Has Value

If you come across a Star Note, here’s how you can evaluate its worth:

Look for the Star: Confirm that the serial number ends in a star (★).
Check the Series Year: Found near the portrait, this helps identify if it’s from a significant year like 2013.
Identify the Bank Letter: A letter like “B” denotes the Federal Reserve Bank (e.g., New York).
Use Online Tools: Websites like MyCurrencyCollection.com can help assess the rarity and value.

Final Thoughts

The chance discovery of a rare Star Note in a tip jar proves that valuable collectibles can pop up in the most unexpected places. Whether you’re a seasoned numismatist or someone who’s simply curious, taking a second look at the bills in your wallet might just lead you to your own hidden treasure.