A $1 bill tracked on WheresGeorge.com, a popular website for following paper currency, might be more than just pocket change. Some of these bills are rare star notes, which can be worth thousands to collectors. One such note was recently found and sold for $45,000, sparking excitement among money trackers and collectors. With WheresGeorge.com users logging millions of bills, your next dollar could be a hidden gem. Here’s how to spot a valuable star note and what makes them special.
What’s a Star Note?
A star note is a replacement bill printed by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing when a regular bill gets damaged or misprinted. These notes have a star symbol () at the end of their serial number, like B12345678. Star notes are rarer than standard bills because they’re only made to replace errors. Some, especially from small print runs, can fetch big money. WheresGeorge.com users often stumble across them while tracking their cash.
- Check the serial number for a star (*) at the end.
- Look for series years like 2013 or older, which may be rarer.
- Notes with low print runs (under 640,000) are more valuable.
- Condition matters—crisp, uncirculated bills are worth more.
Why Are Star Notes Valuable?
Star notes are prized for their scarcity. The Bureau only prints them in limited batches, and some runs are as small as 32,000 notes. A 2013 $1 star note from a rare batch sold for $45,000 in 2024 due to its low print run and perfect condition. WheresGeorge.com, where users enter serial numbers to track bills’ journeys, has helped uncover these treasures. Collectors love star notes with unique serial numbers or errors, driving up their value.
| Star Note Details | Value Range |
|---|---|
| 2013 $1 Star Note (Rare Run) | $10,000–$45,000 |
| 2017 $1 Star Note (Low Run) | $15–$500 |
| Common Star Note | $2–$10 |
How WheresGeorge.com Helps Find Them
WheresGeorge.com lets users log a bill’s serial number to see where it travels. While tracking a $1 bill’s path across the country is fun, some users have found star notes by entering their serials. The site doesn’t identify star notes, but you can cross-check serials using tools like MyCurrencyCollection.com’s Star Note Lookup. A user in California recently logged a 2017 star note on WheresGeorge.com, later learning it was worth $200. Check your tracked bills—you might be holding a winner
Real Stories of Big Finds
Star notes have turned up in surprising places. A WheresGeorge.com user in Texas found a 2013 $1 star note in a gas station change, which sold for $12,000 after verification. Another user in Ohio logged a worn star note from 2006, worth $50 at a local coin shop. These stories have boosted the site’s popularity, with more people joining to track bills and hunt for rarities. Coin dealers report a rise in star note inquiries since WheresGeorge.com gained attention.
What to Do If You Find One
If you spot a star note while tracking on WheresGeorge.com, don’t spend it yet! Use a Star Note Lookup tool to check its rarity by entering the denomination, series year, and serial number. If it’s from a small print run, take it to a currency dealer or grading service like PMG for authentication. Selling on eBay or at a coin show could bring a big payout, but grading increases value. Handle the bill carefully—folds or tears can lower its worth. Your next WheresGeorge.com entry might just make you rich!