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Inventory:
9 In Stock
- Product ID: 19806
The 1996 $1 STAR Federal Reserve Note CU is a distinctive piece of United States monetary history, representing the ongoing evolution of the country's currency handling and security measures. STAR notes, such as this one, are specially printed replacements used to substitute for misprinted or damaged notes before they are circulated. These notes are critical for maintaining the integrity of the monetary system, and their limited production runs often make them highly collectible.
Historically, the introduction of the 1995 series notes coincided with various significant economic events and technological advancements in the production of currency. During this time, the U.S. was experiencing robust economic growth and transitioning into the digital age, which had profound impacts on how financial transactions were conducted and secured. STAR notes from this era, therefore, are not just pieces of paper but tokens of a broader narrative of modernization and economic expansion. But it should be noted that 1995 was not only a year of bustling economic activity and transitions; it was also a year marked by efforts to enhance the durability and security of the currency to prevent counterfeiting and extend the life of paper money. This 1995 $1 STAR Federal Reserve Note is a product of these efforts.
The design of the 1995 $1 STAR Federal Reserve Note is largely consistent with the standard layout that had been used since the 1960s. The obverse features the familiar portrait of George Washington, which is based on a painting by Gilbert Stuart. This portrait has been a staple on the dollar bill since it was first introduced, symbolizing stability and continuity. The note also includes distinctive features for a STAR note, including a serial number with a star either at the beginning or end, indicating its status as a replacement note. The Treasury seal and serial numbers are printed in green, which is traditional for the one-dollar denomination.
The reverse of the note displays the Great Seal of the United States, with the eagle holding an olive branch and arrows, surrounded by the traditional design elements that have been features of the one-dollar bill for decades. This includes intricate geometric patterns and the denomination printed in each corner, which not only serve aesthetic purposes but also enhance the note's security features, making it more difficult to counterfeit.
As for the condition of this note, designated as CU (Crisp Uncirculated), it has never been circulated and thus maintains its original quality and details. This includes sharp printing, clear colors, and a lack of any folds, creases, or tears. The paper remains firm and clean, with a fresh, crisp feel, which is highly prized among collectors for its preservation of the original printing qualities.
Concerning mint and mintage, the 1995 $1 STAR Federal Reserve Note was produced across various facilities associated with the Federal Reserve System, designed to handle the massive demand for currency in the United States. While the exact number of STAR notes printed can vary greatly and is often not publicized, their production is generally limited to the quantity necessary to replace defective notes identified during the quality control process. This limitation in quantity typically enhances the note's value to collectors, who value both its rarity and its role in the history of U.S. currency production.
In conclusion, the 1995 $1 STAR Federal Reserve Note CU embodies a period of transformation and innovation in the U.S. economy and the technology of currency production. It stands as a collectible item not only due to its pristine condition and aesthetic design but also due to its representation of historical economic policies and advancements in security and production techniques. For collectors and historians, such notes offer a window into the narrative of late 20th-century American economic and technological development.