-
Inventory:
OUT OF STOCK
- Product ID: 19793
Checkout
The 1969A $1 STAR Federal Reserve Note in Crisp Uncirculated (CU) condition is a highly desirable piece for collectors of modern U.S. paper money. As a continuation of the redesign that began with the 1963 series, the 1969A issue reflects the United States’ transition into a fully fiat currency system and showcases an enduring design that has come to symbolize American small-denomination currency. What sets this note apart is the presence of a star in the serial number—a key indicator that the note is a replacement for one damaged during production. Star notes are printed in significantly smaller quantities than standard notes, and in uncirculated condition, they represent both a rarity and a pristine example of mid-20th-century American numismatics.
The obverse of the 1969A $1 STAR note features the iconic engraved portrait of George Washington, whose image has remained the centerpiece of the one-dollar note since 1928. Rendered in bold black intaglio ink, Washington’s portrait is set within an ornate frame surrounded by a border of scrollwork and fine-line detailing. Above the portrait is the bold heading “Federal Reserve Note,” and below is the declaration “This note is legal tender for all debts, public and private.” The design emphasizes both the authority of the note and its universal acceptability. In CU condition, the ink remains deeply impressed with no smudging, and the paper is crisp, bright, and unmarred by creases or folds.
The most distinguishing feature of this note is the serial number, which ends in a small five-pointed star rather than a standard suffix letter. This star signifies that the note is a replacement, printed to maintain the correct count after another note was removed due to printing defects. These replacement notes, commonly referred to as “star notes,” were printed in limited runs and are much harder to find than their regular-issue counterparts. In crisp uncirculated examples, the serial numbers are sharply printed in bright green ink, perfectly aligned, and free of fading or ink bleeding. Star notes are prized for their low survival rates in high grades and add a layer of scarcity that elevates their numismatic value.
On the obverse, the green U.S. Treasury seal is located to the right of Washington’s portrait, while the black Federal Reserve Bank seal appears to the left. These seals are both sharply printed in CU examples and clearly designate the issuing Federal Reserve Bank. Each note also carries an alphabetic identifier and district number, ranging from “A” for Boston (1) to “L” for San Francisco (12). Collectors often pursue full sets of star notes by district, and some districts, such as Minneapolis and Kansas City, are notably more difficult to acquire in CU condition. The fine condition of these notes ensures the seals are fully intact with no wear or ink loss.
The 1969A series is signed by Dorothy Andrews Elston, Treasurer of the United States, and David M. Kennedy, Secretary of the Treasury. Their signatures are located beneath Washington’s portrait and help distinguish this series from the original 1969 notes. Dorothy Elston was one of the few women to serve in the role of Treasurer during the mid-century era, and her signature adds historical relevance to the issue. In uncirculated condition, the signatures are printed cleanly and deeply, with no smears or disruptions to the ink.
The reverse of the note showcases the enduring design used on all modern $1 bills since 1935. On the left side is the all-seeing Eye of Providence above an unfinished pyramid, surrounded by the Latin phrases “Annuit Coeptis” and “Novus Ordo Seclorum.” On the right side is the Great Seal of the United States, featuring the bald eagle holding arrows and an olive branch with a banner reading “E Pluribus Unum” above. These two powerful symbols flank the word “ONE,” which dominates the center of the reverse design. In CU condition, the green ink is vibrant and consistent, and all engraved lines appear sharp and undisturbed, with no signs of soiling or handling.
The 1969A series was printed at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s Washington, D.C. facility using high-quality intaglio printing techniques on a cotton-linen blend paper embedded with red and blue security fibers. The Fort Worth facility had not yet opened, so all 1969A notes originate from the nation's capital. In crisp uncirculated examples, the note retains its original stiffness, embossing from the printing press, and the characteristic brightness of fresh currency. There are no folds, tears, or corner rounding—each edge remains sharp, and the paper’s texture is firm and fibrous to the touch.
Though the 1969A series was produced in relatively large quantities overall, star notes were printed in much smaller batches and only for select replacement ranges. As such, uncirculated examples can be surprisingly elusive, especially for certain districts or in particularly well-centered specimens. Collectors value star notes not only for their scarcity but also for the intrigue they add to a paper money collection, serving as evidence of the BEP’s commitment to quality control and precision. District sets of star notes from the 1969A series are a popular collecting goal, but acquiring all twelve in uncirculated condition can be a long-term challenge.
In the market, 1969A $1 star notes in CU condition are frequently graded and encapsulated by third-party services such as PMG or PCGS Banknote. These grading firms assess the note’s centering, embossing, color, margins, and overall paper quality to assign numerical grades, with Gem CU (65 and above) commanding significant premiums. Notes with perfect margins and deep embossing may reach Superb Gem levels, further increasing their desirability. Collectors should also be on the lookout for special serial number patterns within star notes, such as low numbers, repeaters, or radars, which can add further collectible appeal.
In conclusion, the 1969A $1 STAR Federal Reserve Note in Crisp Uncirculated condition represents a compelling blend of historical significance, technical craftsmanship, and collector interest. Its star designation sets it apart as a rarer issue, and its perfect state of preservation ensures maximum visual and investment appeal. For collectors of small-size U.S. currency, it stands as an excellent representative of post-silver-era monetary history and a worthy addition to any advanced paper money collection.