πΆ A Baby Gift That Became a $400 Discovery

$405 Star Note Dollar
The day after a baby boy was born, his father did something simple but meaningful β he bought a $10 piggy bank and slowly filled it with cash for his newborn son. Over time, the piggy bank filled up with mostly $1 bills, nothing special at first glance.
Years later, when the piggy bank was finally opened, something unexpected appeared.
One of those ordinary-looking dollar bills β worn, wrinkled, and honestly ugly β turned out to be worth over $400.
π² The $1 Bill That Sold for $405
That exact dollar bill recently sold for $405 (plus shipping) at auction.
Why?
Because it wasnβt just any dollar β it was a 2013 $1 Star Note that came from a duplicate printing error, one of the most collectible modern paper money mistakes.
And the best part?
π These bills still exist in circulation.
β What Is a Star Note?
A Star Note is a replacement bill printed by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
- When a bill is damaged during printing, it gets replaced
- The replacement bill uses a β star at the end of the serial number
- Most star notes are common
However⦠some are extremely valuable.
π¨ Why the 2013 $1 Star Note Is Special
Certain 2013 $1 Star Notes were accidentally printed twice with the same serial numbers.
That should never happen.
When both matching serial numbers exist, collectors call them:
Duplicate Star Notes
If you find one, collectors will pay hundreds β sometimes more β to pair it with its matching twin.
π Step-by-Step: How to Check Your $1 Bills
Grab your wallet or cash drawer and follow these steps carefully.
π₯ Step 1: Check the Year
Look at the front of the bill.
- β Must say 2013
- β Any other year = not this error
π₯ Step 2: Look for the Star β
Check the serial number.
- β A β star must appear at the end of the serial number
- β No star = normal $1 bill
π₯ Step 3: Verify It Online (This Is the Key Step)
Go to Google and search:
“Star Note Lookup”
Click the first official result (the star note lookup database).
Now:
- Select $1 denomination
- Choose 2013 series
- Enter your full serial number
π¨ The Message That Means You Hit the Jackpot
If the site displays a notice explaining that:
- The bill may have been printed more than once
- Or is part of a duplicate star note range
π Stop immediately.
Youβve found the same type of bill that sold for $405.
π° How Much Are 2013 Duplicate Star Notes Worth?
| Condition | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Heavily Circulated | $75 β $150 |
| Average Condition | $150 β $300 |
| Crisp / Uncirculated | π $300 β $500+ |
π Matched pairs (both serial numbers found) can sell for even more.
β οΈ Important Warnings
- β Do NOT spend the bill
- β Do NOT clean or iron it
- β Do NOT fold it further
π‘ Place it in a protective sleeve or envelope immediately.
π Final Thoughts
This story proves something important:
π You donβt need rare coins or gold bars to find hidden money.
A worn-out $1 bill sitting in a childβs piggy bank turned into $400+ simply because someone knew what to look for.
Before you spend another dollar, take 30 seconds and check your bills.
Your next surprise might already be in your pocket.
π₯ Facebook Caption Ideas (Post Link in Comments)
Caption Option 1
That ugly $1 bill in your wallet could be worth $400+ π³π΅
Hereβs how to check π (link in comments)
Caption Option 2
A dad opened his sonβs piggy bankβ¦ and found a $405 dollar bill π€―
Most people spend these without knowing β¬οΈ
Caption Option 3
Check your $1 bills before you spend them π¨
Some 2013 star notes are selling for hundreds π°
SEO Keywords: 2013 $1 star note value, duplicate star note dollar, rare dollar bill error, $400 dollar bill, star note lookup