Forgotten in Glove Box: In an astonishing twist of fate, a crumpled $1 bill found in the glove box of a retired mechanic’s 1997 Ford F-150 has turned out to be worth a jaw-dropping $645,000. The reason? It’s not just any dollar—it’s a rare star note with a repeater serial number, a prized combination that has numismatists and collectors buzzing.
The Accidental Discovery
Joe Henley, 72, of Bozeman, Montana, had owned his trusty pickup truck for over two decades. Preparing to donate it to a local vocational school, he began cleaning out the interior when he spotted the old bill tucked beneath a faded owner’s manual.
“It looked ordinary,” Henley said. “Just a beat-up single with some grease smudges. I was about to throw it in the tip jar at the diner.”
But curiosity won out. Henley noticed something strange about the serial number: E00770077★. He recalled a TV segment years ago about collectible currency and decided to do a little research.
Why the Bill Is So Valuable
Two factors make this dollar bill exceptional:
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Star Note: The small star following the serial number indicates a replacement bill printed to take the place of one that was damaged during production. These are rarer by nature and often sought after by collectors.
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Repeater Serial Number: The serial “00770077” repeats the digits in a symmetrical, patterned way, which adds even more appeal. The combination of 007 (evoking James Bond) and the perfect repetition makes it a standout.
When paired, a star note with a rare and aesthetically pleasing repeater serial is an extremely rare find—especially on a widely circulated denomination like the $1 bill.
Valued at Over Half a Million Dollars
Henley contacted an expert appraiser who confirmed its rarity. After weeks of authentication and private bidding among elite collectors, the bill was recently sold through a high-end currency auction for $645,000.
According to currency expert Linda Marquez, “It’s the holy grail of modern small-denomination notes—a confluence of error rarity, aesthetic symmetry, and cultural intrigue. We may never see another like it in circulation.”
A Lesson in Overlooked Treasure
Henley, who lives on a modest pension, says the unexpected windfall has been “a gift from the gods.” He plans to use the proceeds to pay off medical debt, help his grandchildren with college tuition, and take his wife on their first vacation in 15 years.
“I’ve driven past that diner every day for years,” he says with a smile. “If I hadn’t decided to clean out that glove box, I might’ve tipped away a fortune.”
Collectors Take Note
This story serves as a powerful reminder that valuable currency doesn’t always glitter with gold. Sometimes, it’s a dusty dollar hiding in the most unlikely places. With the growing popularity of collectible currency, more people are learning to scrutinize their cash—not just spend it.
So next time you’re cleaning out an old car or emptying a piggy bank, take a closer look. You just might be holding history—and a small fortune—in your hand.
Did You Know?
Star notes are issued by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing when an error is detected during printing. Rather than reprinting the same serial number, they assign a new one with a star to indicate it’s a replacement. Repeater, radar, and ladder serials are some of the most coveted types.
