A Dollar That’s Worth Thousands
A woman in Georgia nearly spent a $1 bill that turned out to be a rare 2013 star note, valued at over $43,000 by collectors in 2025. Star notes are replacement bills with a star symbol in the serial number, and some are extremely rare due to printing errors or low print runs. This find has people checking their cash, as a simple dollar bill could be hiding a fortune in plain sight.
Why Star Notes Are Special
Star notes are printed by the U.S. Mint to replace damaged or misprinted bills. They have a star at the end of the serial number, like 12345678*. The 2013 $1 star note is valuable because of a rare printing error where two batches had identical serial numbers, a mistake called a “duplicate serial.” Only a few of these exist, making them a collector’s dream. While a regular $1 bill is worth its face value, this error star note can sell for thousands.
| Bill Type | Serial Number Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Common $1 Bill | Standard | $1 |
| 2013 Star Note (Error) | Duplicate Serial | Up to $43,000+ |
Found in a Gas Station Transaction
The Georgia woman got the $1 bill as change at a gas station. She noticed the star in the serial number and set it aside, thinking it looked different. Later, she researched online and learned about the 2013 duplicate serial error. A currency dealer confirmed its value, and it sold at auction for a huge sum. Similar finds, like a 2013 star note found in a tip jar in 2022 that sold for $30,000, show these bills are still out there, waiting to be discovered.
How to Spot a 2013 Star Note
Checking for a rare star note is easy with a little attention. Look at the serial number on a $1 bill from 2013; it should end with a star, like 12345678*. Check if the serial number matches known duplicate ranges, which you can find online or through a dealer. Look for the bill’s condition; crisp, uncirculated bills are worth more. Verify authenticity with security features like the watermark. If you think you have one, don’t mark or fold it; take it to a currency expert for appraisal.
| Feature | Common $1 Bill | 2013 Star Note (Error) |
|---|---|---|
| Serial Number | Standard (e.g., 12345678) | Star (e.g., 12345678*) |
| Series Year | Any | 2013 |
| Condition Value | Worn or Crisp | Crisp Preferred |
What to Do If You Find One
If you find a 2013 star note, handle it carefully to keep its value. Store it in a protective sleeve to avoid creases or tears. Contact a currency grading service, like the Paper Money Guaranty (PMG), to authenticate and grade it. A high grade can boost its auction price. Auction houses like Stack’s Bowers can connect you with collectors. Even non-error star notes can be worth hundreds, so always get a professional opinion beforewasher
Keep Checking Your Cash
This $1 bill discovery shows that everyday money can be a hidden treasure. A single dollar from a gas station or a tip jar could change your life. Collectors love the thrill of finding rare bills, and stories like this keep the hunt exciting. Next time you’re counting change or sorting through old cash, check those serial numbers. You might just hold a bill worth thousands.