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The 1969 $1 STAR Federal Reserve Note in Crisp Uncirculated (CU) condition represents an important chapter in the evolution of modern U.S. paper currency. Introduced during a period of economic growth and policy shifts under President Richard Nixon, the 1969 series ushered in a new era of Federal Reserve Notes with subtle design updates and a fresh signature pairing. The inclusion of a star in the serial number identifies this note as a replacement issued to compensate for a misprinted or damaged note during production. Star notes are significantly scarcer than their standard counterparts, and in uncirculated condition, they are especially prized for their sharpness, rarity, and full preservation of original design elements.
The obverse of the 1969 $1 STAR note features the familiar and iconic portrait of George Washington at center, engraved with precision and surrounded by a classic border incorporating finely rendered scrollwork and detailed background etching. Above the portrait, the note reads “Federal Reserve Note,” signifying its status as legal tender under the U.S. Federal Reserve system. The legal tender clause—“This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private”—appears beneath the portrait. In CU condition, these inscriptions are bold and crisply printed, with deep intaglio ink giving a tactile feel to the black-inked elements. The design remains consistent with previous series but reflects a broader shift toward the enduring layout used throughout the late 20th century.
The serial numbers, printed in bright green ink, are prominently positioned in the upper left and lower right corners. The most distinguishing feature of a star note is the presence of a five-pointed star in place of the final letter of the serial number. This star marks the note as a replacement issued during the BEP’s rigorous quality control process, and these notes are printed in smaller quantities than standard issues, enhancing their desirability. In a CU example, both serial numbers are vivid, sharply defined, and perfectly aligned. The green Treasury seal on the right and the black Federal Reserve seal on the left remain bold and clean, without smudging or ink disruption, further emphasizing the note’s pristine condition.
Each 1969 $1 STAR note also displays the district seal and identifiers of one of the twelve Federal Reserve Banks, labeled with letters “A” through “L” and numbered “1” through “12,” corresponding to cities from Boston to San Francisco. Collectors often seek to build district sets of star notes, with some districts proving harder to locate in CU grades due to smaller print runs or greater circulation wear. In uncirculated examples, the paper remains bright white, corners are sharp and square, and margins are even and unfrayed, showcasing the note's untouched status directly from original packaging or preserved storage.
The 1969 series features the signatures of Kathryn O’Hay Granahan, Treasurer of the United States, and David M. Kennedy, Secretary of the Treasury. These names are printed in fine script beneath Washington’s portrait and reflect changes in the U.S. Treasury's leadership during the Nixon administration. This signature pairing is unique to the 1969 series, further distinguishing it from the closely related 1963B and 1969A issues. In CU examples, the signatures are deeply impressed and exhibit no ink fading, wear, or misalignment, preserving the note's historical and visual integrity.
The reverse side of the note displays the well-known back design introduced with the 1935 series, which has remained unchanged to this day. On the left is the all-seeing Eye of Providence above an unfinished pyramid, accompanied by the Latin mottoes “Annuit Coeptis” and “Novus Ordo Seclorum.” On the right, the Great Seal of the United States is featured, with the eagle clutching arrows and an olive branch under a constellation of stars and the national motto “E Pluribus Unum.” Centered between these elements is the denomination “ONE” in large, stylized font. In uncirculated condition, the green ink is vivid, the engraving details are sharp, and the paper exhibits full embossing and original sheen with no signs of wear, stains, or handling.
Printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C., the 1969 $1 notes were produced using a traditional intaglio process on a durable cotton-linen blend paper embedded with red and blue security fibers. The Fort Worth BEP facility did not yet exist, so all production for this series originated from the Washington plant. CU examples retain original press embossing, firm paper texture, and perfect color saturation. The physical condition of these notes is crucial, and collectors carefully examine them for centering, registration, and the quality of printing to determine their collectible value.
Although the 1969 $1 series was printed in large quantities, star notes were produced in far more limited runs, making them significantly rarer. This scarcity, combined with CU preservation, results in strong demand among collectors who pursue either complete type sets, series sets, or star note-specific collections. Star notes from certain districts—especially lower-population banks such as Minneapolis (I) or Kansas City (J)—may be particularly elusive in uncirculated grades. Furthermore, some serial number ranges were only printed in replacement form, adding to the intrigue and appeal of certain star notes within the 1969 issue.
Collectors often submit CU 1969 $1 star notes for third-party certification through PMG or PCGS Banknote, seeking numerical grades such as 65 EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality), 66, or even 67, depending on centering and surface quality. Premium examples with perfect registration and balanced margins can command strong premiums on the open market. The absence of folds, edge wear, paper toning, or counting marks is essential for a note to qualify as truly uncirculated and desirable for high-end collections. Notes stored in archival-quality sleeves or rigid holders can maintain this pristine condition indefinitely when protected from light, humidity, and physical handling.
In conclusion, the 1969 $1 STAR Federal Reserve Note in Crisp Uncirculated condition represents a perfect marriage of rarity, historical significance, and aesthetic appeal. As one of the early modern replacement notes, it reflects the U.S. Treasury's evolving monetary practices while preserving traditional design elements that date back to the 1930s. With its distinct signature pairing, rare star serial number, and unbroken preservation, this note serves as both a collectible artifact and a meaningful representation of U.S. paper money production during a pivotal moment in 20th-century economic history.