A alternative banknote, identifiable by a star image appended to its serial quantity, is issued when a observe is broken or misprinted throughout the manufacturing course of. This star signifies that the observe is an alternative choice to one faraway from circulation and ensures the proper amount of notes inside a given collection. As an example, if a sheet of uncut $100 payments is broken, the flawed notes are eliminated, and replacements with star-marked serial numbers are printed and inserted to finish the sheet.
The worth of those alternative notes varies. Whereas most flow into at face worth, some may be fairly helpful to collectors, particularly uncommon or low-print-run star notes. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s follow of changing flawed foreign money maintains the integrity of the cash provide and supplies a captivating space of examine for numismatists. This follow has an extended historical past, contributing to the wealthy tapestry of American foreign money and offering perception into the printing and distribution processes.