This $5 Star Note : In an age where digital transactions dominate, few people give much thought to the cash in their pockets — but that crumpled $5 bill in your wallet could actually be worth tens of thousands of dollars. That’s right: a rare type of bill known as a Star Note could fetch as much as $60,000 among collectors.
What Is a Star Note?
A Star Note is a replacement banknote issued by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. These notes are printed to take the place of misprinted or damaged bills that are removed from production. To differentiate them from regular currency, they feature a small star symbol (*) at the end of the serial number.
Because Star Notes are produced in much smaller quantities than standard bills — and are often overlooked — they can become highly sought-after by currency collectors, especially if they meet certain rarity conditions.
Why This $5 Star Note Is So Valuable
Not all Star Notes are valuable, but some combinations make a bill exceptionally rare:
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Low print run: The fewer copies printed, the rarer the bill.
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Unique serial numbers: Notes with repeating digits, palindromes, or “ladders” (like 12345678) are more valuable.
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Series and year: Certain print years are more scarce than others.
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Condition: Crisp, uncirculated bills in pristine condition command the highest prices.
Recently, attention has surged around a particular $5 Star Note that could be worth up to $60,000 — especially if it comes from the 2003 series, Chicago Federal Reserve Bank, with an extremely low print run and in uncirculated condition. According to experts, only a small handful of these notes are known to exist.
How to Spot a Valuable Star Note
To check if you have one of these hidden gems, do the following:
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Look at the serial number on the front of your bill.
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If it ends in a star (e.g., JB00000001★), it’s a Star Note.
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Check the series year and Federal Reserve Bank letter (printed on the bill).
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Use a Star Note lookup tool online to see if it’s rare.
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If it looks promising, consider having it professionally appraised.
Where to Sell It
If you think you’ve hit the jackpot, you can explore:
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Auction houses like Heritage Auctions
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Currency dealers who specialize in rare notes
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eBay and other online marketplaces (with proper authentication)
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Collector forums where enthusiasts are always hunting for the next treasure
Final Thought
It’s easy to overlook cash in a digital-first world, but a quick glance at the serial number on your next $5 bill could uncover something extraordinary. With one rare Star Note potentially worth $60,000, you might want to take a second look before spending that fiver.
Check your wallet — you might be sitting on a small fortune.
FAQ: Still in Circulation — This $5 Star Note Could Be Worth $60,000
Q1: What is a Star Note?
A replacement bill marked with a ★ at the end of its serial number.
Q2: Why is it valuable?
Rare print runs, unique serial numbers, and uncirculated condition make some Star Notes highly collectible.
Q3: Which one is worth $60,000?
A rare 2003 $5 Star Note from the Chicago (G) district with a very low print run in uncirculated condition.
Q4: How do I check if I have one?
Look for:
- A ★ after the serial number
- Series 2003
- Federal Reserve letter G
- Crisp condition
Q5: Where can I check value?
Use sites like MyCurrencyCollection.com or consult a currency appraiser.