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The 1963A $2 STAR United States Note in Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (XF–AU) condition is a notable and collectible example of mid-20th-century U.S. paper currency. United States Notes, sometimes referred to as Legal Tender Notes, have a rich and distinctive place in American monetary history. Distinguished by their red seals and serial numbers, these notes are easily recognizable and are distinct from Federal Reserve Notes, which carry green seals. The addition of a star to the end of the serial number signifies that the note is a replacement—printed to substitute for another note damaged during production. Such notes were issued in far fewer numbers and are considered scarcer and more desirable by collectors, particularly in higher grades like XF or AU.
The obverse of the 1963A $2 STAR United States Note features a centered portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. The portrait is flanked by ornate scrollwork and framed with clear inscriptions. At the top is the phrase “UNITED STATES NOTE,” differentiating this issue from more common Federal Reserve Notes. Beneath Jefferson is the legal tender clause: “THIS NOTE IS LEGAL TENDER FOR ALL DEBTS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE,” underscoring the note’s status as government-issued currency. The serial numbers, printed in vivid red ink, appear in the upper right and lower left corners, ending in a star. The red Treasury seal is positioned to the right of Jefferson’s portrait, aligned with the note’s denomination and series year.
The reverse of the 1963A $2 STAR note maintains the same design first introduced in the 1928 series: an engraving of Monticello, Jefferson’s estate in Virginia. The structure is depicted in great detail, surrounded by ornamental elements and the inscriptions “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “TWO DOLLARS,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Unlike the more elaborate reverse of the 1976 Bicentennial $2 note, which features the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this design retains a clean and classical appearance rooted in early 20th-century engraving aesthetics. The reverse design helps identify the note’s era and connects it closely with other small-size United States Notes issued since 1928.
Issued during a brief time span, the 1963A series was printed with the signature combination of Kathryn O’Hay Granahan, Treasurer of the United States, and C. Douglas Dillon, Secretary of the Treasury. This pairing ties the note historically to the Kennedy administration, reflecting a time of economic confidence and the final years of traditional U.S. currency before major transitions in both coinage and paper money. The 1963A series was the last series of $2 United States Notes before a temporary hiatus and the redesign that accompanied the Bicentennial in 1976. Thus, the 1963A STAR note marks the end of an era for red-seal legal tender notes in active circulation.
Star notes for the 1963A $2 series were printed in limited quantities compared to their regular counterparts. Replacement notes are always issued in lower numbers, and while most series had star notes printed for every district or printing need, the total print runs varied. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing printed these notes on older presses with single-note sheets, which adds to their historical charm. The 1963A series was printed exclusively at the Washington, D.C. facility. Collectors often seek out these red-seal star notes, particularly in better condition and with appealing centering, serials, and margins.
In terms of condition, XF to AU examples of the 1963A $2 STAR note retain much of their original appearance. In XF (Extremely Fine), the note will show light evidence of circulation, such as minor folds or faint handling marks, but the paper remains strong and crisp, with no tears or major stains. In AU (About Uncirculated), the note will show only slight signs of handling—perhaps a single fold or a corner bend—keeping it very close in appearance to uncirculated quality. The red ink should remain bold and the paper firm, with most of the original embossing from the intaglio printing process still visible. Collectors appreciate these notes as excellent examples that balance affordability with quality.
The value of a 1963A $2 STAR note in XF–AU condition depends on several factors, including eye appeal, serial number positioning, and centering. Most circulated examples of this note are common and accessible, but those in high condition with strong visual appeal are scarcer. Generally, an XF star note might sell in the range of $25 to $40, while an AU example can command $40 to $60 or more depending on how close it is to uncirculated quality. If the note also carries a desirable or low serial number, such as a repeater or radar, or comes from a known lower print run, its market value can increase accordingly.
Among collectors, red-seal $2 STAR notes form a popular subset. Many enthusiasts seek a full run of small-size $2 star notes dating from the 1928 series through the final issues of United States Notes in the 1960s. The 1963A issue is often a must-have within that set, and its position as the last red-seal series before the long hiatus makes it an essential acquisition. Notes in XF–AU condition are often preferred by collectors who want an attractive note without paying the premiums associated with certified CU or GEM notes.
Though the $2 denomination was largely out of favor during the 1960s, the issuance of the 1963A series was part of the effort to keep the denomination available, even if circulation was light. Many banks still stocked $2 notes for special disbursements, such as Social Security payments or bank promotions. As such, many 1963A star notes were lightly used or quickly pulled from circulation by the few collectors who recognized their significance at the time. Others were stored in vaults or forgotten in drawers, contributing to the supply of lightly circulated examples seen today.
In summary, the 1963A $2 STAR United States Note in XF–AU condition is a captivating piece of American monetary history. With its bold red seal, sharp engraving of Jefferson and Monticello, and star-replacement status, it appeals both as a standalone collectible and as part of a broader series set. As one of the last red-seal legal tender notes, it represents the closing chapter of an era in U.S. paper money. Collectors value its scarcity, visual appeal, and connection to a transformative period in American finance and culture, ensuring its place in both personal collections and historical study.