In a surprising twist of numismatic fortune, a rare $5 star note tucked away in a vintage handbag sold for an astonishing $37,500 at auction last week, sending shockwaves through the coin and currency collecting community. The note, originally issued decades ago, was discovered by a thrift shopper in a secondhand store in Ohio. What began as a casual find turned into a once-in-a-lifetime payday.
What Is a Star Note?
For those unfamiliar, a “star note” is a replacement banknote printed by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing to take the place of a misprinted or damaged bill. Instead of reprinting the same serial number, the bureau uses a special serial number that ends with a star (*) symbol. This unique identifier signifies the bill’s limited print run, making it rare and highly collectible.
Star notes are considered especially valuable when they are:
- From older series
- Printed in limited batches
- In uncirculated or near-mint condition
- Found on higher or lower denominations that rarely see replacement printing
The Discovery in a Forgotten Handbag
The story begins when Sarah Collins, a part-time vintage reseller from Akron, Ohio, purchased a well-worn 1960s handbag from a local thrift store for just $12. While cleaning it at home, she found a folded $5 bill in an interior zipper pouch. Initially assuming it was simply an old note, she noticed something different: the serial number ended with a star.
Intrigued, she posted a photo of the bill on a popular online collector’s forum. Within hours, seasoned currency collectors chimed in, suggesting that she might have a valuable find on her hands. Encouraged by the buzz, Collins had the note authenticated by a professional grading service.
Rare Print and Condition Drive Value
According to Heritage Auctions, the note turned out to be a 1934 Series $5 star note, printed at the Fort Worth facility with a very limited run. It was graded Gem Uncirculated 66 by PMG (Paper Money Guaranty), a high rating that indicates it had likely never been in circulation.
Only a handful of these specific notes are known to exist, and even fewer in such pristine condition. The rarity, combined with its nearly flawless state, made it highly desirable to collectors seeking to complete a set or invest in rare currency.
The Auction and Final Sale
Heritage Auctions placed the note in its Spring 2025 Currency Signature Auction, held in Dallas, Texas. Starting with a reserve bid of $7,500, the note quickly ignited a bidding war among enthusiasts from around the globe. After a series of rapid-fire bids, the hammer finally fell at $37,500.
Collins, still in disbelief, shared her reaction:
“I had no idea this little note would be worth anything, let alone tens of thousands. I just bought the bag because I liked the style. It’s surreal. I never imagined something like this could happen to me.”
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Why Collectors Pay Big for Star Notes
Star notes occupy a special place in the world of currency collecting. They represent a small percentage of total notes in circulation and offer a unique glimpse into the quality control measures of U.S. paper money production. When those notes are older, low-serial, or from short printing runs, their value can soar—especially if they’re well-preserved.
Some key features that increase the value of star notes include:
- Low serial numbers (e.g., 00000001*)
- Unusual denominations (e.g., $500 or $1000 notes)
- Short printing runs or known misprints
- Historical significance or connection to a famous figure or event
The Takeaway: Check Your Wallets… and Handbags
The $5 star note windfall serves as a powerful reminder: rare currency might be hiding in plain sight. Whether tucked inside an old handbag, stashed in a drawer, or passed down in a family heirloom, these unassuming slips of paper can carry immense value.
If you come across a bill with a star at the end of the serial number—or any old currency—it’s worth a second look. Have it evaluated by a reputable grading service or share it with an online collector’s group for insights. You never know when you might be holding a fortune.
Conclusion
In a time when most $5 bills barely buy a sandwich, one rare note found in a vintage handbag proved that even the smallest denominations can carry incredible worth. Thanks to a sharp eye and a bit of luck, what could have remained forgotten turned into a $37,500 payday—and a modern treasure-hunting tale that currency collectors won’t soon forget.