If you’ve discovered an unusual piece of U.S. paper currency — maybe a star note, a note with an odd serial number, or a very old bill — you’re probably wondering: What is my note worth? Determining the value of a note involves multiple factors, including its rarity, condition, age, and collector demand.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand how to evaluate your U.S. paper money and discover whether it’s a common piece or a valuable collectible.
Contents
Understanding Face Value vs. Collector Value
The face value is the denomination printed on your currency note — $1, $5, $10, etc. This is the amount you can spend it for anywhere. But the collector value could be much higher depending on its features.
For example, a $1 star note might be worth $3 to $100+ depending on rarity. Similarly, an old $100 note from the 1920s in pristine condition could fetch thousands of dollars at auction.
✅ Bold Keyword: The collector value of your currency note depends on multiple elements beyond its printed amount.
Key Factors That Determine Note Value
1. Condition (Grade)
The condition of your note is one of the most important aspects in determining its worth. Collectors prefer notes in uncirculated or crisp condition, with no folds, tears, or discoloration.
Grading terms include:
- CU (Crisp Uncirculated): Perfect condition, never folded
- AU (About Uncirculated): One light fold or handling
- XF (Extremely Fine): Light wear, still sharp
- VF (Very Fine): Moderate wear, no major damage
- F (Fine) and VG (Very Good): Noticeable wear or folds
- G (Good) or Poor: Heavy damage, stains, or missing parts
Bold Keyword: Uncirculated currency notes generally bring the highest value in the collector’s market.
2. Rarity and Print Runs
Some currency notes were printed in much smaller quantities, making them far more desirable. This is especially true for:
- Star notes with low print runs
- Older notes from short-lived series
- Notes from rare Federal Reserve districts
You can use a star note lookup tool or currency reference book to check how many of your note’s series were printed.
Bold Keyword: Low print run star notes or discontinued designs often carry premium value due to their scarcity.
3. Serial Number Type
The serial number can make a big difference. Collectors often pay a premium for special numbers, including:
- Low serial numbers (e.g., 00000001 to 00000100)
- Repeater notes (e.g., 12121212)
- Ladders (e.g., 12345678)
- Solid numbers (e.g., 77777777)
- Binary numbers (e.g., 01010101)
- Radar notes (reads same forward and backward, e.g., 12344321)
Even modern notes with ordinary designs may hold collector value based on a unique serial number.
Bold Keyword: Special serial number patterns can significantly increase the note’s market value.
4. Type and Series
There are many different types of U.S. paper currency:
- Federal Reserve Notes (modern U.S. currency)
- Silver Certificates
- Gold Certificates
- United States Notes
- National Bank Notes
- Confederate Currency
- Military Payment Certificates
Each has different collector appeal. For instance, Silver Certificates from the early 1900s can be worth $10 to $500+ depending on condition and series.
The series year (e.g., Series 1950A or Series 1985) helps determine how old and collectible the note is.
Bold Keyword: Older currency types and rare series years often attract higher prices from collectors.
5. Star Note Status
A star note is a replacement for a damaged or misprinted note and is indicated by a ★ symbol at the end of its serial number.
Star notes from small print runs or rare districts can be worth multiple times their face value, especially in uncirculated condition.
Use free online databases to look up the rarity of your star note by series, district, and print run.
Bold Keyword: A rare star note in perfect condition can be highly valuable to collectors.
6. Federal Reserve District
The Federal Reserve Bank that issued the note can affect its value. There are twelve districts, each labeled by a letter (A through L) and a corresponding city.
Some districts issued fewer notes in certain years, making them rarer.
Bold Keyword: Collectors often seek notes from rare Federal Reserve districts to complete district sets.
7. Demand and Trends
Like all collectibles, currency values can rise or fall based on market trends. Some notes spike in popularity due to social media attention, auction results, or collector club interests.
Limited-run notes, high-grade examples, and trending serial number types can increase in demand over time.
Bold Keyword: Staying updated on currency collecting trends can help you determine when to sell or hold your note.
How to Find Out What Your Note Is Worth
There are several ways to assess the value of your U.S. currency note:
✅ Use Star Note Lookup Tools
Websites like Star Note Lookup allow you to input your note’s serial number, series year, and district to check for rarity and print run data.
✅ Refer to Currency Pricing Guides
Books like Paper Money of the United States by Arthur L. Friedberg offer price ranges based on condition and series.
✅ Browse eBay & Auction Results
Search for recently sold listings of notes like yours to get a feel for what buyers are paying. Always compare sold prices, not just listings.
✅ Visit Collector Forums or Facebook Groups
Currency collecting communities often offer free evaluations from experienced hobbyists and experts.
✅ Get a Professional Appraisal
If your note seems rare or valuable, consider submitting it to a grading service like PCGS or PMG for a formal evaluation and authentication.
Bold Keyword: Using grading services and pricing tools can help determine the true worth of your note.
Common Example Values
Here are some sample ranges to give you a general idea:
- Modern $1 star note, circulated: $1.50 to $3
- Modern $1 star note, uncirculated, rare print: $10 to $100+
- Silver Certificate $1 (1935 series): $2 to $25
- Gold Certificate (1928): $50 to $1,000+
- National Bank Note (early 1900s): $100 to $5,000+
- Repeater serial number note: $10 to $250 depending on pattern and condition
Keep in mind that actual value depends on your note’s unique combination of condition, serial number, district, and series.
Final Thoughts
Determining “what is my note worth?” can be both exciting and profitable. Whether you’ve stumbled upon a rare star note, a low serial number, or a beautiful vintage currency, taking the time to properly evaluate it can lead to valuable insights — and maybe even extra cash.
Start by checking the condition, looking up the serial number, and comparing similar sales. Even if your note isn’t rare, it still makes for a great introduction to the fascinating world of paper money collecting.