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- Product ID: 19802
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The 1985 $1 STAR Federal Reserve Note in Crisp Uncirculated (CU) condition is a noteworthy addition to the family of small-size U.S. currency, valued for both its rarity and its role in the quality control systems of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). Star notes, identifiable by a star replacing the final letter in the serial number, are replacement notes issued when original bills are damaged or misprinted during production. Because they are printed in much smaller quantities than regular issues, and because not all are preserved in pristine condition, 1985 $1 star notes in CU grade are particularly desirable among collectors who focus on modern U.S. paper money.
The obverse of the 1985 $1 STAR note features the familiar and iconic portrait of George Washington, which has graced the $1 Federal Reserve Note since the redesign of 1963. Washington’s image, engraved from Gilbert Stuart’s classic portrait, is framed by intricate scrollwork and surrounded by key inscriptions including “FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE” at the top and “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR” below. The star note’s serial number appears twice—once in the upper right and once in the lower left—and always ends in a five-pointed star symbol. This star marks the note as a replacement, making it more rare and collectible than standard serials.
Like all $1 Federal Reserve Notes, the 1985 star note includes the black Federal Reserve Bank seal to the left of the portrait, which identifies the issuing district by a corresponding letter from A through L, and the green U.S. Treasury seal to the right. These notes were signed by Treasurer of the United States Katherine D. Ortega and Secretary of the Treasury James A. Baker III. This signature combination appeared only on 1985 series notes and helps to anchor the note within a specific political era, one marked by Reagan-era economic reforms, low inflation, and tax restructuring efforts.
The reverse side of the 1985 $1 STAR note continues to display the rich symbolism of the Great Seal of the United States. On the left is the reverse side of the seal featuring the Eye of Providence above a 13-step unfinished pyramid, flanked by the Latin mottos “ANNUIT COEPTIS” and “NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM.” On the right, the obverse of the seal is rendered with a bald eagle grasping an olive branch and arrows in its talons, symbolizing the dual powers of peace and defense. Above the eagle’s head floats a constellation of thirteen stars, representing the original colonies. The words “IN GOD WE TRUST” are printed above, and the denomination “ONE” is repeated prominently throughout the design.
The 1985 $1 star notes were printed at the BEP’s Washington, D.C. facility only, as the Fort Worth, Texas facility would not come online for note production until 1991. As was standard, star notes were printed in specific replacement runs and their quantities varied greatly depending on the needs of the issuing Federal Reserve districts. All twelve districts—A through L—produced star notes in the 1985 series, but not in equal amounts. Certain districts, such as Minneapolis (I), Kansas City (J), and San Francisco (L), often saw smaller replacement runs and thus produce rarer star notes. Conversely, districts like New York (B) and Chicago (G) are generally more common but still collectible in CU condition.
For collectors, the appeal of the 1985 $1 star note lies in its limited production and its potential for building a full set of twelve district star notes. While all star notes are less common than their standard counterparts, those from low-run districts or specific printing blocks are far more scarce and valuable. The total number of star notes printed per district is publicly available in BEP production reports, and this data helps determine relative rarity. Some blocks from this series had fewer than 320,000 star notes printed—a small number in the context of modern currency production.
In terms of condition, a 1985 $1 STAR note graded as Crisp Uncirculated must exhibit no folds, bends, handling marks, or signs of wear. The note should maintain its original firmness, brightness, and crisp paper texture. Edges must be clean and sharp, corners square, and the print registration must be clear with no ink smudging or fading. Exceptional CU notes will also retain strong embossing from the printing process, particularly around the serial numbers and Treasury seal. In this condition, 1985 $1 star notes are ideal for long-term storage and display, whether kept raw in currency sleeves or certified by a professional grading service such as PMG or PCGS Banknote.
The market value of a 1985 $1 STAR Federal Reserve Note in CU condition depends on several factors: issuing district, block letter, serial number rarity, and market demand. More common districts may retail for $5 to $15, while star notes from scarcer districts can exceed $50 or more, particularly if they are in pristine condition or have fancy or low serial numbers (e.g., 00000035*, 12343210*, 88888888*). Certified notes that achieve CU-equivalent grades of 66 or 67 with “EPQ” (Exceptional Paper Quality) or “PPQ” (Premium Paper Quality) designations will typically garner premiums among collectors who prize top-population specimens.
Collectors also value the 1985 series star notes for their place in U.S. economic history. Issued during Ronald Reagan’s second term, these notes circulated in an era of post-recession recovery, global Cold War tensions, and significant shifts in fiscal policy. The BEP’s continued production of star notes in that environment highlights the meticulous nature of U.S. currency production—replacing flawed sheets to maintain accountability and quality even amid millions of bills produced daily. These notes serve as quiet artifacts of precision and consistency in an age of macroeconomic transition.
Furthermore, many enthusiasts enjoy assembling type sets of small-size Federal Reserve Notes that span decades. A complete set might include one star note from each series, each district, or each signature combination. The 1985 $1 STAR note, being part of a relatively short-lived series with only one signature pairing, becomes a logical addition for such collections. Fractional collectors, star note specialists, and those seeking rarer paper money from the 1980s will all find this piece an attractive candidate due to its blend of scarcity, aesthetic appeal, and relatively accessible price point in the CU grade range.
In summary, the 1985 $1 STAR Federal Reserve Note in Crisp Uncirculated condition is a modest but meaningful example of modern American numismatics. It showcases historical continuity in design, excellence in printing, and a commitment to monetary accountability. With its low mintage relative to standard issues, especially in certain districts, and its ideal grade for long-term preservation, it represents both a smart acquisition for collectors and a lasting emblem of a transitional period in U.S. economic history. For collectors seeking rarity within reach, this star note offers timeless appeal in a familiar format.