In a twist that has currency collectors buzzing, a rare version of the 2013 $5 bill — specifically a “star note” — is still circulating in the U.S. economy. What makes this small piece of paper worth potentially $45,000 isn’t just its age or condition, but a rare printing anomaly that makes it one of the most sought-after modern U.S. bills.
What Is a Star Note?
Before diving into why this 2013 $5 bill is turning heads, it’s important to understand what a star note is. When the Bureau of Engraving and Printing makes an error while producing a bill, it reprints a corrected one and marks it with a star at the end of the serial number. These replacement bills are called “star notes,” and they are produced in much smaller quantities than regular notes.
For collectors, the star on a bill signifies rarity. While many star notes have little premium value, some — particularly those with low production numbers or unique characteristics — can be worth thousands.
Why the 2013 $5 Star Note Is Special
Not all 2013 $5 star notes are valuable. The one making headlines is a specific printing error involving two batches of replacement notes printed years apart — one in Fort Worth, Texas in November 2014, and another in Washington, D.C. in July 2016.
Both printings used the exact same serial number range: B00000001★ through B00250000★, meaning two different sets of notes with identical serial numbers were released into circulation — a serious error in currency printing. Known as a “duplicate serial star note error,” this kind of mistake is extremely rare and generally avoided by the U.S. Treasury.
So far, only a handful of these matching bills have been found. When a collector owns both notes with the same serial number — one from each printing location — their combined value skyrockets.
How to Check If You Have One
If you’re wondering whether you’ve unknowingly held onto a piece of currency treasure, here’s what to look for:
- Denomination: $5 bill
- Series: 2013
- Serial Number Prefix: Must begin with the letter “B”
- Serial Number Range: Between B00000001★ and B00250000★
- Star Symbol: Located at the end of the serial number
- Printing Facility Identifier: Check if the note was printed at either Fort Worth or Washington, D.C.
Matching one of these notes with its twin from the other printing facility is what creates the massive value. As of now, confirmed matched pairs have fetched upwards of $45,000 at auctions.
Still in Circulation?
Yes, many of these star notes are believed to still be in wallets, cash drawers, and register tills across the U.S. Because the error wasn’t caught immediately, both sets of bills entered normal circulation. That means your next $5 bill could hold significantly more value than its face suggests.
Collectors and dealers are now actively searching for these duplicates, and online marketplaces like eBay have seen single star notes from the range listed for hundreds to thousands of dollars — even without their matching pair.
What to Do If You Find One
If you come across a 2013 $5 star note that falls within the specified range, don’t spend it. Instead, have it authenticated by a professional currency grader or reach out to a trusted dealer. If it matches an already found twin, or if its match can be located, you could be looking at a payday that rivals a year’s salary.
And even if it’s a standalone note, collectors may pay a premium simply due to its potential.
Also, read: This 2013 $10 Bill With Cut Shift Was Almost Spent — Now It’s Worth $55,000
Final Thoughts
Everyday bills can sometimes carry extraordinary value. In the case of the 2013 $5 star note, a small printing error turned into a major collector phenomenon. Whether you’re a casual observer or a die-hard numismatist, it might be worth going through your wallet or cash stash tonight — that simple $5 could be your ticket to $45,000.
Disclaimer: Currency values vary based on market interest, note condition, and verification of printing data. Always consult a reputable expert or auction house before selling high-value currency.
