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The 2009 $2 STAR Federal Reserve Note in Crisp Uncirculated (CU) condition is a noteworthy and increasingly popular piece among collectors of modern United States currency. As part of the rarely seen $2 denomination, this note already stands out due to its infrequent circulation and relatively low production numbers compared to higher-volume $1, $5, or $20 bills. The addition of the star symbol in the serial number further enhances its collectibility, as it signifies a replacement note—issued to substitute for a note damaged or misprinted during production. Combined with its pristine condition, the 2009 $2 STAR note represents a blend of scarcity, quality, and historic continuity that makes it an ideal item for paper money enthusiasts.
The obverse of the 2009 $2 STAR note features a left-facing portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and principal author of the Declaration of Independence. His image is rendered with great precision, based on an 1805 portrait by artist Gilbert Stuart. Surrounding Jefferson is an elegantly engraved frame, accompanied by the inscriptions “FEDERAL RESERVE NOTE,” “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and “TWO DOLLARS.” To the lower left is the black seal of the issuing Federal Reserve Bank, while the green U.S. Treasury seal appears to the lower right of Jefferson’s portrait. The note's serial numbers—each ending with a star symbol in place of the typical suffix letter—appear in green ink above the left seal and below the right seal, clearly identifying it as a replacement issue.
The reverse of the 2009 $2 note is among the most historically significant and visually elaborate in all U.S. currency. It displays an intricately detailed vignette of John Trumbull’s painting “The Signing of the Declaration of Independence.” This iconic image depicts the presentation of the draft Declaration to the Continental Congress in 1776, featuring 42 of the 56 signers. The scene is bordered by ornate frames, with “THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” inscribed at the top and “TWO DOLLARS” boldly presented at the bottom. This imagery reinforces the $2 bill’s deep roots in American history and patriotism, linking modern currency directly to the nation’s founding moment.
The 2009 $2 STAR notes bear the facsimile signatures of U.S. Treasurer Rosie Rios and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. Rios served from 2009 to 2016, while Geithner held his position during the Obama administration from 2009 to 2013. Their printed names are positioned at the bottom of the obverse—Rios on the left and Geithner on the right—marking this series as a product of its particular political and economic context during the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. The note’s consistent design, combined with these newer signatures, provides collectors with both aesthetic and chronological identifiers.
All modern $2 notes, including the 2009 STAR issues, are printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) on a high-quality paper composed of 75% cotton and 25% linen. This paper is embedded with blue and red security fibers and exhibits a unique feel distinct from standard wood-pulp paper. The notes are printed using intaglio techniques that create a tactile impression, especially noticeable in Jefferson’s portrait and the fine engraving lines throughout the note. Notes in CU condition retain the original paper crispness, sharp corners, rich ink saturation, and zero folds, creases, or handling marks.
Star notes are created as replacements during the production process and are much scarcer than their non-star counterparts. Each serial number must be unique, so when a defective sheet is discovered, it is replaced with one bearing a star at the end of the serial number rather than a standard suffix letter. Because the printing runs for star notes are relatively short, they are considered scarce and are tracked carefully by collectors. Some Federal Reserve Districts issued significantly fewer 2009 $2 STAR notes than others, making notes from certain districts—like Atlanta (F) or Minneapolis (I)—particularly prized among specialists building full district sets.
In terms of production, the 2009 series was a modest continuation of $2 note issuance, which had seen a limited revival beginning with the 1976 Bicentennial issue. Unlike other denominations that are printed and circulated regularly, $2 notes are printed in small batches, primarily to meet demand from collectors, banks, or regions where they enjoy greater popularity. Consequently, their limited supply ensures that uncirculated and star-designated notes are held in higher regard and see increasing demand on the collector market. For this series, BEP printed 2009 $2 STAR notes at both its Washington, D.C. and Fort Worth, Texas facilities, each identifiable by location codes or printing plate information.
Because $2 notes are infrequently encountered in commerce, most people tend to save them when received, especially in pristine condition. A 2009 STAR note in Crisp Uncirculated condition presents flawless paper quality, full margins, unblemished ink, and no handling defects. These notes are typically stored in archival-quality currency sleeves or holders to preserve their condition over time. Many collectors choose to certify CU $2 STAR notes through third-party grading services like PMG or PCGS Banknote, which provide authentication, numeric grading, and encapsulation for long-term protection and market recognition.
Numismatists interested in modern replacements find the $2 denomination especially engaging due to its historical context and design appeal. The 2009 STAR note bridges the gap between everyday currency and low-mintage collectible, offering an accessible yet uncommon entry into small-size note collecting. Its unique reverse design, modest series issuance, and scarcity as a replacement note offer multiple dimensions of interest. Some collectors focus on building sets by series year and district, while others seek full runs of star notes across all modern $2 series. The 2009 issue, with its crisp presentation and desirable signatures, holds a respected place in either strategy.
In conclusion, the 2009 $2 STAR Federal Reserve Note in Crisp Uncirculated condition represents an excellent fusion of rarity, history, and aesthetic appeal. With its historic imagery, modern production quality, and status as a replacement issue, it stands out in any paper money collection. Whether admired for its patriotic reverse design, saved for its condition, or pursued as part of a star note registry set, this note exemplifies the quiet but growing popularity of the $2 denomination in American numismatics.