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- Product ID: 19791
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The 1963B $1 Barr STAR Federal Reserve Note UNC represents a unique piece of United States monetary history. These notes are named after Joseph W. Barr, who served the shortest term as U.S. Treasury Secretary, only 28 days in January 1969, under President Lyndon B. Johnson. His brief tenure was enough to make an indelible mark on the nation's currency, mainly because it coincided with the production of a series of dollar bills that carried his signature.
This particular series of Federal Reserve Notes, designated as "1963B," is distinguished not only by Barr's signature but also by the STAR in the note's serial number. STAR notes are replacements issued for faulty ones that were damaged during the printing process and deemed unfit for circulation. They are printed in smaller quantities and feature a star at the beginning or end of the serial number. This makes STAR notes like the 1963B $1 Barr particularly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and the unique circumstances of their issue.
The design of the 1963B $1 Barr STAR note follows the standard layout of Federal Reserve Notes from that era. The obverse of the note features a portrait of George Washington, painted by Gilbert Stuart, which is a hallmark of the one-dollar bill since 1929. The design is straightforward and conservative, reflecting the era's utilitarian approach to currency, which prioritized function over artistic flair. The reverse of the note displays the Great Seal of the United States, with its iconic eagle and shield, surrounded by a decorative border that includes the denomination of the note in each corner. The overall design is emblematic of the stability and strength of the U.S. government.
In terms of condition, the "UNC" (uncirculated) designation indicates that the note has never been used in general circulation. It retains its original crispness and detail, with no signs of wear, folds, or creases. The paper is clean and firm, with original sheen and no discoloration. Such high-quality condition is essential for collectors, as the value of collectible currency is heavily influenced by its state of preservation.
Collectors and historians alike treasure the 1963B $1 Barr STAR Federal Reserve Note for several reasons. Its association with Joseph W. Barr, albeit brief, links it to a specific and tumultuous period in American history, marked by significant political and social changes during the late 1960s. Additionally, the rarity of STAR notes, combined with their replacement nature, adds a layer of intrigue and desirability. These notes serve as tangible connections to the past, encapsulating stories of economic policies, governmental changes, and the meticulous processes involved in currency production.
Moreover, the uncirculated condition of such notes provides a pristine example of mid-20th-century American currency design and production. Collectors often seek out such exemplary pieces not just for their monetary value but for their historical and aesthetic appeal. The 1963B $1 Barr STAR Federal Reserve Note UNC, therefore, is not only a piece of financial history but also a collector's item that embodies the era's cultural and historical significance.
In conclusion, the 1963B $1 Barr STAR Federal Reserve Note UNC is a fascinating artifact for both collectors and historians. It represents a brief moment in the vast timeline of U.S. monetary policy, marked by the shortest-serving Secretary of the Treasury. Its pristine condition and the special circumstances of its issuance make it a highly prized item among collectible currency. This note exemplifies the interconnectedness of history, economics, and design, capturing a snapshot of a dynamic period in American history through the lens of its currency.