1988A $1 STAR Federal Reserve Note CU

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  • Product ID: 19804
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  • Description:

    The 1988A $1 STAR Federal Reserve Note in Crisp Uncirculated (CU) condition is a highly sought-after example of modern U.S. paper money. Star notes serve a specific and essential purpose in the currency production process: they replace misprinted or damaged notes caught during quality control at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). Instead of reproducing the same serial number, a new note is printed with a star symbol at the end of the serial number, signifying it as a replacement. These notes are produced in smaller quantities than standard issues, and finding them in CU condition makes them especially attractive to collectors.

    The obverse of the 1988A $1 STAR note adheres to the familiar design introduced in 1963, featuring a central portrait of George Washington. This rendering, based on Gilbert Stuart’s famous portrait, is framed by classical scrollwork and bold inscriptions. “FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE” is prominently printed across the top, while “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “ONE DOLLAR” anchor the lower margins. Each note is printed with a unique serial number in green ink on the upper right and lower left. In the case of star notes, this number ends in a star symbol, replacing the usual alphabetical suffix and making the note distinct from standard issues.

    To Washington’s left on the note’s face is the black Federal Reserve Bank seal, which includes the bank’s name and district letter. The twelve Federal Reserve Banks are designated by letters A through L and represent Boston through San Francisco. To the right of the portrait is the green U.S. Treasury seal. Below the serial number and seals are the printed signatures of Catalina Vasquez Villalpando, Treasurer of the United States, and Nicholas F. Brady, Secretary of the Treasury. This signature pairing identifies the note specifically with the 1988A series, which was released during the final years of the Reagan administration.

    The reverse of the note continues the traditional imagery of the Great Seal of the United States. To the left is the reverse of the seal, which features an unfinished pyramid topped with the Eye of Providence. The Latin phrases “Annuit Coeptis” and “Novus Ordo Seclorum” are inscribed above and below the pyramid. To the right is the obverse of the seal, where a bald eagle clutches arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other, symbolizing war and peace. Above the eagle is a constellation of 13 stars. “IN GOD WE TRUST” is printed above the eagle, and the denomination “ONE” is boldly displayed throughout the design.

    The 1988A series marked an important milestone in U.S. paper money production. It was the first series of $1 notes to be produced at the new Western Currency Facility in Fort Worth, Texas, which began operations in 1991. As a result, two varieties of the 1988A $1 STAR note exist—those printed at the Washington, D.C. facility and those printed at Fort Worth. Fort Worth notes are identifiable by a small “FW” mark next to the plate position number on the lower right of the face. This subtle distinction has become a point of interest for collectors seeking both types within their collections.

    Star notes were issued for all twelve Federal Reserve Banks during the 1988A series, but the number of notes produced for each district varied widely. Some districts, such as New York (B) and Atlanta (F), saw relatively large star note printings, while others like Minneapolis (I) and Kansas City (J) had more limited runs. This variation has a direct impact on collectibility and market value, with scarcer districts being more valuable. Collectors often aim to assemble complete sets of star notes by district, block, or printing facility, and the 1988A series is a key component in such pursuits.

    In Crisp Uncirculated condition, the 1988A $1 STAR note exhibits sharp corners, no folds or creases, bright paper, and original embossing from the intaglio printing process. The note’s colors should be vivid, the ink fully intact, and all printing crisp and well-centered. In this grade, the note is considered pristine and unhandled, making it a premium choice for collectors. To maintain its condition, such a note is usually stored in a Mylar sleeve or sealed holder, and many collectors choose to have CU notes professionally graded and encapsulated by services like PMG or PCGS Banknote.

    The value of a 1988A $1 STAR note in CU condition varies based on several factors, including the issuing district, printing facility, and relative scarcity. Common districts like New York (B) and Chicago (G) in CU may sell for $8 to $20, while rarer districts or those printed in lower quantities, such as Dallas (K) or San Francisco (L), can reach values from $30 to $75 or more. Notes printed at the Fort Worth facility often bring a premium due to their status as the first $1 notes produced there. Additionally, low serial numbers (such as 00000025*) or special patterns (radar, repeater, or binary numbers) can increase a note’s value significantly.

    Grading services have certified many 1988A star notes, with grades such as CU64 through CU67. Notes that earn an “EPQ” (Exceptional Paper Quality) or “PPQ” (Premium Paper Quality) designation are more desirable to advanced collectors and may trade at higher premiums. A note graded CU66 EPQ, especially from a scarce district or Fort Worth print run, is highly collectible and may fetch over $100. The certification process also ensures authenticity, which is important given the growing market for rare and high-grade paper money.

    From a historical standpoint, the 1988A $1 STAR Federal Reserve Note represents a transitional era in U.S. currency production. The late 1980s were a time of significant economic and political change in the United States. These notes reflect the end of Reagan’s presidency and the continuation of fiscal policies that defined the decade. The introduction of the Fort Worth printing facility and its impact on modern note varieties make the 1988A series especially relevant for those studying the evolution of American currency production.

    In conclusion, the 1988A $1 STAR Federal Reserve Note in Crisp Uncirculated condition is a fascinating and collectible item that appeals to both novice and seasoned numismatists. Its role as a replacement note, its dual-source production, and its historical significance in late-20th-century monetary policy all contribute to its enduring appeal. Whether collected as part of a complete star note set, by district, by printing facility, or as a high-grade investment, the 1988A STAR note exemplifies the blend of artistry, utility, and rarity that defines the best of U.S. paper money.

  • Details:
    • Denomination: N/A
    • Year: 1988
    • Diameter: N/A
    • Mint Mark: N/A
    • Thickness: N/A
    • Grade: N/A

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