Star Note Rarity and Print Run Data

Not all star notes are equally rare or valuable. The value of a specific star note depends entirely on how many star notes were actually printed in that particular run. Understanding print run data is essential for serious star note collectors.

The Rarity Spectrum

Star note print runs vary dramatically:

• Some runs produced only 30,000-50,000 star notes (extremely rare)
• Others produced 500,000 to 1,000,000 star notes (moderately common)
• A few production runs generated 3,000,000+ star notes (quite common)

A 2013 $1 star note from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta might have been printed in a run of 3.2 million—making it relatively common despite being a star note. Meanwhile, a 2017 $50 star note from Minneapolis might have only 64,000 in a print run—making it comparatively scarce.

Official Print Run Data

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing publishes official production data. The most accessible source is:

• Bureau of Engraving and Printing website (moneyfactory.gov) – Provides historical production figures by denomination, series year, and Federal Reserve district
• Currency collecting reference books – Many compiled guides list detailed print run data
• Specialized websites – Currency collector forums and databases have compiled comprehensive tables

How to Use Print Run Data

When evaluating a star note, you should:

1. Identify the denomination (e.g., $1, $5, $10)
2. Identify the series year (printed on the note, e.g., 2013)
3. Identify the Federal Reserve district (from the district seal, e.g., F = Atlanta)
4. Look up the print run data for that specific combination
5. Compare the star note print run to the regular print run for the same combination
6. Assess rarity: if star notes were 0.5% of total production, they're scarcer than if they were 5% of production

Print Run Size Interpretation

General guidelines for assessing star note rarity based on print run:

• Under 100,000 – Very rare, likely $15-$50+ in circulated condition
• 100,000 to 500,000 – Scarce, likely $5-$20 in circulated condition
• 500,000 to 2,000,000 – Moderately common, likely $1-$5 premium in circulated condition
• Over 2,000,000 – Common for a star note, might only carry face value or minimal premium

Common Collector Mistakes

Beginners often assume:

• "All star notes are valuable" – False. Print run data determines value.
• "A star note is automatically worth $5-$10" – Not necessarily. A 3.2 million-print-run star might be worth face value.
• "Star notes from recent years are rarer" – Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Check the data.

Where to Research

Before assigning significant value to a star note:

• Visit moneyfactory.gov and search for production figures
• Consult guides like the "Morgan-Stanley Comprehensive Catalog of Star Notes" or similar references
• Use online databases like "Legacy Currency" or other currency specialist websites
• Compare what similar star notes are selling for on eBay or currency dealer websites

The Bottom Line

A star note's value is determined by facts, not assumptions. A 2013 $1 star note Atlanta (F) might be worth only slightly above face value, while a 1995 $50 star note Minneapolis (I) with a low print run could be worth $100+. Always verify print run data before assuming a star note is valuable.