Series 1988 United States One Dollar Bill (Star Note)

This is a United States one-dollar Federal Reserve Note from Series 1988. The bill features the standard portrait of George Washington at the center within an oval frame. A primary distinguishing feature is the presence of a green star at the end of the serial number (G 10023015 *), identifying it as a replacement or 'star note' used when a printing error occurs during the production of a standard run. The bill was issued by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, indicated by the 'G' seal and prefix. The signatures of Catalina Vasquez Villalpando (Treasurer) and Nicholas F. Brady (Secretary of the Treasury) are visible. Regarding physical condition, the banknote shows heavy circulation and wear including multiple deep vertical and horizontal creases, significant overall wrinkling, and visible soiling. There are noticeable nicks and small tears along the top edge, particularly near the center. The paper appears soft and limp from use, missing the crispness found in uncirculated currency. The color remains generally consistent with age, though the white margins show darkening from handling. Despite the wear, the star note designation makes it a collectible item within numismatic circles.

I have conducted a visual examination of this Series 1988 United States One Dollar Federal Reserve Star Note (Serial G 10023015 *). The bill features the signatures of Villalpando and Brady. Authenticity appears consistent with late 20th-century Bureau of Engraving and Printing standards; however, a definitive determination regarding paper density, ink relief, and the absence of sophisticated counterfeiting techniques requires a physical examination with a 10x jeweler’s loupe and UV light. The condition is assessed as 'About Good' to 'Good' (G-4 to G-6) on the Sheldon scale. The paper is heavily circulated, exhibiting limpness, deep cross-creasing, soiling, and significant edge wear with visible nicks. While the star note designation indicates it was a replacement for a printing error—adding inherent rarity over standard issues—this specific run (Chicago 'G') was not exceptionally limited for the 1988 series. Current market demand for low-grade modern star notes is stable but modest, largely driven by 'pocket change' collectors rather than high-end numismatists. The substantial physical degradation significantly limits the valuation, as collectors typically seek 'Crisp Uncirculated' examples which command higher premiums. The value represents a small collector's premium over face value. Final authentication is contingent upon an in-person inspection to verify the tactile feel of the intaglio printing and the integrity of the fiber composition. No provenance documentation was provided, though it is not typically required for items in this value bracket.