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The 1934C $10 STAR Federal Reserve Note in Very Good (VG) condition is a highly collectible example of mid-20th-century U.S. paper currency, notable for its role as a replacement issue during a pivotal era in American financial history. STAR notes, distinguished by a star symbol at the end of the serial number, were printed to replace defective notes that were damaged or misprinted during production. These replacement notes were issued in smaller quantities than their regular counterparts, making them considerably scarcer, especially in certain series and districts. The 1934C series represents one of the later iterations of the 1934-design $10 Federal Reserve Notes and was issued during a period marked by World War II preparations and evolving monetary practices.
The obverse of the 1934C $10 STAR note features the enduring portrait of Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury and a foundational figure in American economic development. This engraved image, facing left, is flanked by critical elements of the note’s design: to the left of Hamilton is the black seal representing the issuing Federal Reserve Bank, and to the right is the green U.S. Treasury seal. The serial numbers, printed in green ink, appear in the upper right and lower left corners. The inclusion of a star at the end of the serial number indicates that the note was printed as a replacement for a note removed from a sheet during quality control. This feature is what sets STAR notes apart and lends them increased numismatic value.
The words “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” arch across the top of the note, while “TEN DOLLARS” appears in bold at the bottom. Just below the portrait is the legal tender statement: “This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private.” The 1934C series was signed by Treasurer of the United States Ivy Baker Priest and Secretary of the Treasury George M. Humphrey, whose printed signatures appear at the lower left and right, respectively. These names help identify the series and date the note to the mid-1950s, despite its 1934C designation, which reflects a continuation of the original 1934 series with slight updates.
The reverse of the note showcases a neoclassical engraving of the U.S. Treasury Building in Washington, D.C. This iconic structure, depicted in intricate detail, reflects the grandeur and permanence of the nation’s financial system. Inscriptions reading “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “TEN DOLLARS” flank the building at the top and bottom, while large numeral “10” denominations appear in each corner. This consistent reverse design was used across multiple series of $10 Federal Reserve Notes and provided continuity in appearance during a time of major global and domestic upheaval.
The 1934C $10 STAR note was printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C., using high-quality cotton and linen fiber paper embedded with red and blue security threads. Although it lacks modern anti-counterfeiting features such as watermarks, color-shifting ink, and security strips, the note does incorporate microprinted details and intaglio-engraved textures that make it difficult to counterfeit. These printing techniques produce raised ink surfaces on key elements like the portrait, seals, and serial numbers—details that can still be detected even in circulated examples like this VG note.
In Very Good (VG) condition, this 1934C STAR note shows clear signs of moderate circulation. Fold lines, rounded corners, surface soiling, and creases are typically present, and some minor edge wear or tiny pinholes may also be visible. Despite these flaws, the note remains fully intact, with all major design elements legible and no large tears or repairs. The portrait of Hamilton, both serial numbers with the star suffix, and the two seals are generally visible, albeit with some fading. VG examples still hold solid collectible value, particularly when the issuing Federal Reserve Bank is from a scarcer district or when STAR replacement runs were especially small.
The issuing Federal Reserve Bank is identified by the letter prefix in the serial number and the matching seal at the left of Hamilton’s portrait. There are twelve Federal Reserve Districts, each with a corresponding letter and city, ranging from “A” for Boston to “L” for San Francisco. STAR note printings were not uniform across all districts, and some—particularly districts like Minneapolis (I), Kansas City (J), and Dallas (K)—issued far fewer replacements than others. Collectors value STAR notes from these districts more highly, especially when found in earlier series or in collectible grades.
The 1934C $10 STAR note is a relatively late entry in the 1934 series, a set that spanned nearly two decades and included multiple lettered iterations (A through D) as administrative and personnel changes led to updated series names. The “C” in 1934C signifies one such update, which in this case reflects a change in Treasury officials and printing nuances rather than an overhaul of the note’s design. This consistency was a deliberate choice by the U.S. Treasury to maintain public confidence and stability in its currency during periods of change, including the years leading into the Cold War.
Collectors of STAR notes often pursue them by denomination, series, and district. The 1934C $10 STAR note is an essential part of any mid-century STAR set and is also desirable for those focused on type notes, transitional issues, or replacement note varieties. Although VG is a circulated grade, it provides a relatively affordable entry point into the series, allowing collectors to obtain a scarce STAR designation without paying the premiums associated with higher-grade examples. A VG note still retains historical and collector interest and often reflects genuine use in everyday commerce during a pivotal economic period.
In conclusion, the 1934C $10 STAR Federal Reserve Note in Very Good condition is a significant and collectible artifact of American currency history. It represents the evolution of Federal Reserve Note design and the process of maintaining currency integrity through the STAR replacement system. While its circulated condition indicates it passed through many hands, the surviving legibility, integrity, and rare STAR designation ensure it remains a worthy and valuable addition to any collection focused on 20th-century paper money, replacement issues, or the enduring legacy of American financial policy and production.