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The 1963A $1 STAR Federal Reserve Note in Uncirculated (UNC) condition is a highly desirable issue for paper money collectors due to its position at the dawn of the modern Federal Reserve Note era and the added rarity of the replacement “star note” designation. The 1963A series represents one of the earliest issues of small-size notes following the redesign that removed any reference to silver redemption, thus fully embracing fiat currency. A star note replaces a misprinted or damaged note during production, and its presence—denoted by a small star at the end of the serial number—marks it as significantly scarcer than standard issues. When preserved in UNC condition, these notes are free from folds, creases, dirt, or wear, with firm, original paper and deeply printed ink, making them especially appealing to both novice and seasoned numismatists.
The front of the 1963A $1 star note retains the familiar and enduring portrait of George Washington, which has been the centerpiece of the $1 bill since the 1928 series. This bust, engraved from the famous Gilbert Stuart painting, is centered within an ornate border featuring fine-line detail and classical design motifs. Above the portrait is the label “Federal Reserve Note,” and below it appears the text “This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private,” a change from previous notes that had earlier referenced silver redemption. In UNC examples, the engraving is crisp, the lines of Washington’s image are bold and clean, and the overall contrast of the note is striking, with strong black intaglio printing standing out against the bright, white paper.
Distinctive to the 1963A series are the serial numbers printed in vivid green ink in the upper left and lower right corners of the note’s face. The key differentiator on a star note is the use of a small five-pointed star in place of the final letter in the serial number. This designation was applied to replacement notes issued to maintain the correct quantity after misprints were destroyed. Each district and series produced a relatively small number of star notes compared to standard runs, enhancing their value and collectibility. On uncirculated examples, the serial numbers are clearly struck, well-aligned, and deeply impressed, showing no signs of ink smudging or fading. The green Treasury seal, located to the right of Washington’s portrait, is also vibrant and crisp, indicating no handling or degradation.
To the left of the portrait appears the black Federal Reserve Bank seal, bearing the name and corresponding district number for one of the twelve Federal Reserve Banks—from “A” for Boston to “L” for San Francisco. The 1963A notes were printed and distributed for all twelve districts, and collectors often seek to obtain a complete set of star notes by district. While all 1963A star notes are more scarce than their regular counterparts, the difficulty of finding examples from certain districts—especially in high grade—adds further depth and challenge to collecting. UNC examples offer the highest level of visual appeal and integrity, with sharp corners, balanced margins, and no folds, stains, or handling marks.
The 1963A series features the signature combination of Kathryn O’Hay Granahan as Treasurer of the United States and C. Douglas Dillon as Secretary of the Treasury. This pairing is distinctive for the early modern series and reflects the political administration during the mid-1960s under President Lyndon B. Johnson. Granahan was the first woman to serve in the role of U.S. Treasurer, and her signature on paper currency adds historical significance. In UNC condition, both autographs are deeply printed and unbroken, contributing to the note’s historical and aesthetic value.
The reverse of the 1963A $1 star note follows the standard design layout used continuously since 1935. On the left is the all-seeing Eye of Providence above the unfinished pyramid, flanked by the Latin inscriptions “Annuit Coeptis” and “Novus Ordo Seclorum.” On the right is the American bald eagle with a shield, clutching arrows and an olive branch, and above it the motto “E Pluribus Unum.” Between these two emblems sits the large, stylized word “ONE.” The entire design is framed by ornate scrollwork and border elements. On UNC notes, the green ink remains bright and evenly applied, and every detail of the back engraving is visible and undisturbed, reflecting the care with which the note has been preserved.
These notes were printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) using high-quality cotton-linen blend paper with embedded red and blue fibers to enhance durability and deter counterfeiting. 1963A $1 notes were produced only at the BEP’s Washington, D.C. facility, as the Fort Worth facility did not open until 1991. The notes were manufactured using traditional offset and intaglio printing methods, with serial numbers and seals added during the overprinting process. Uncirculated examples exhibit full paper integrity, original embossing from the printing press, and no signs of paper aging, warping, or oxidation.
Collectors of small-size U.S. paper money regard the 1963A $1 star note as an essential early issue in modern Federal Reserve Note collecting. Star notes, even in circulated condition, hold a premium over standard notes, and UNC examples often command significantly higher values. These are especially prized when well-centered, with strong eye appeal, sharp corners, and no printing defects. Star notes are often assembled into sets by district or signature combinations, and certified examples in UNC condition frequently receive Gem Uncirculated or Superb Gem grades from major third-party grading services like PMG or PCGS Banknote.
Historically, the 1963A series was issued during a pivotal period in U.S. economic history, when paper money was transitioning fully to fiat status and the last vestiges of precious metal redemption were being phased out. Though the design of the $1 note remained unchanged from earlier issues, the removal of the promise to pay in silver marked a new era in monetary policy. Star notes from this time reflect both the technical evolution of the BEP’s quality control processes and the enduring symbolism of American currency. The presence of the star adds scarcity and context, linking the note to the procedures used to maintain strict accuracy in national currency issuance.
In conclusion, the 1963A $1 STAR Federal Reserve Note in Uncirculated condition is a key collectible that combines scarcity, pristine quality, and significant historical value. Its rich green and black printing, undisturbed paper surfaces, and star designation offer a visually striking and numismatically meaningful addition to any collection. As a bridge between mid-century currency practices and the modern monetary era, the 1963A star note remains a timeless and rewarding specimen for those drawn to the depth and detail of American paper money.