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 — 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 — worn, wrinkled, and honestly ugly — turned out to be worth over $400.
The $1 Bill That Sold for $405
That exact dollar bill recently sold for $405 (plus shipping) at auction.
Why?
Because it wasn’t just any dollar — 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?
These bills still exist in circulation.
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 ★ star at the end of the serial number
- Most star notes are common
However… some are extremely valuable.
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 — sometimes more — to pair it with its matching twin.
Step-by-Step: How to Check Your $1 Bills
Grab your wallet or cash drawer and follow these steps carefully.
Step 1: Check the Year
Look at the front of the bill.
Must say 2013
Any other year = not this error
Step 2: Look for the Star
Check the serial number.
- A ★ star must appear at the end of the serial number
- No star = normal $1 bill
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
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
Stop immediately.
You’ve found the same type of bill that sold for $405.
How Much Are 2013 Duplicate Star Notes Worth?
| Condition | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Heavily Circulated | $75 – $150 |
| Average Condition | $150 – $300 |
| Crisp / Uncirculated |  $300 – $500+ |
Matched pairs (both serial numbers found) can sell for even more.
Important Warnings
- Do NOT spend the bill
- Do NOT clean or iron it
- Do NOT fold it further
Place it in a protective sleeve or envelope immediately.
Final Thoughts
This story proves something important:
You don’t need rare coins or gold bars to find hidden money.
A worn-out $1 bill sitting in a child’s 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.
Facebook Caption Ideas (Post Link in Comments)
Caption Option 1
That ugly $1 bill in your wallet could be worth $400+ 
Here’s how to check 
(link in comments)
Caption Option 2
A dad opened his son’s piggy bank… and found a $405 dollar bill 
Most people spend these without knowing 
Caption Option 3
Check your $1 bills before you spend them
Some 2013 star notes are selling for hundreds
SEO Keywords: 2013 $1 star note value, duplicate star note dollar, rare dollar bill error, $400 dollar bill, star note lookup
