The BEP currently prints Star Notes in maximum runs of 3.2 million (100,000 sheets of 32 notes each). The number of Star Notes produced for a series depends on the number of printed bills found to be defective. Star Notes occasionally replaced notes from a different series, as well.

Historically, Star Notes were also used for the 100,000,000th note in a series, the last note in the block of serial numbers (the numbering machines could not print over 8 digits).

On Federal Reserve Notes the star is where the block letter (the last letter) of the serial number would be. On Legal Tender Notes and Silver Certificates the star is where the prefix (first letter) of to the serial number would be. These Replacement Star Notes are marked with a distinctive symbol, a 'star' that is placed adjacent to the serial number. The BEP does not replicate the exact serial numbers of the defective bills, rather a separate run of notes (with their own sequential serial numbers) is created to mint the exact number of discarded notes. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) uses these Star Notes to ensure that the correct amount of currency is created. What is a Star Note?Ī Star Note is a bank note minted to replace a defective note that was not fit for circulation. Also, on the obverse of the note 'WILL PAY TO THE BEARER ON DEMAND' which had been included on previous series is now removed. The series 1963 bill can be differentiated from past series by the addition of the motto 'IN GOD WE TRUST' above the Lincoln Memorial on the reverse. For these US Legal Tender Notes, the seal and serial numbers are printed in red. The reverse of the bill depicts the Lincoln Memorial. The obverse features a portrait of Abraham Lincoln. The $5 bill was kept as a United States Legal Tender Note as well as a Federal Reserve Note and a Silver Certificate. In 1929 all US Currency was changed to its current modern size. Information on these Red Seal Series 1963 Five Dollar Bills: These STAR NOTE Red Seal Five Dollar Bills will make a nice addition to any currency collection! Each bill comes in a currency sleeve for protection. These Red Seal Five Dollar Bills are US Legal Tender Notes that circulated at the same time as Silver Certificates. These Red Seal Five Dollar Bills are off-quality notes that may have some stains, tears, heavy folds or writing. We are pleased to offer for sale this Five Dollar Bill Red Seal STAR NOTE Series 1963 US Currency.

Star dollar bill serial number lookup