If you’ve ever brushed off an old $5 bill as just another piece of small change, think again. In 2025, collectors are actively searching for ordinary-looking 1986 $5 bills with one special feature — a star symbol in the serial number. These seemingly minor details can turn a forgotten banknote into a collectible worth thousands of dollars.
And here’s the exciting part: these notes aren’t museum-only pieces. Many are still in circulation or sitting in wallets, safety deposit boxes, and inherited stashes. If you know what to look for, you could stumble upon a $5 bill that’s worth far more than face value.
Why 1986 $5 Star Notes Are So Valuable in 2025
While $5 bills are still widely circulated and printed, star notes from the 1986 series have become especially desirable due to their rarity, printing history, and growing collector demand.
What Is a Star Note?
A star note is a replacement bill printed by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing when an error occurs during production. Instead of reusing the same serial number, a “★” symbol replaces the final letter in the serial, marking it as a limited-run substitute.
Because star notes are printed in smaller quantities, they are much rarer than standard bills — and that’s what makes them collectible.
1986 $5 Star Note – Features to Look For in Your Wallet
You don’t need to be a professional to spot a valuable 1986 star note. Just look closely at your $5 bills, especially older ones with a worn texture or red-tinted security ink.
Key Identification Features:
| Feature | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Series Year | “Series 1986” on the front |
| Star Symbol | A “★” at the end of the serial number |
| Federal Reserve Bank | Some districts printed fewer star notes |
| Serial Number | Low numbers (e.g., 00000025★) are prized |
| Seal Color | Standard green seal, consistent with the era |
| Condition | Crisp, uncirculated notes fetch the most |
How Much Are These $5 Star Notes Worth in 2025?
The value of a 1986 $5 star note depends heavily on condition, rarity, and the serial number. While circulated notes may bring in a few hundred, crisp uncirculated examples with low or fancy serial numbers can sell for $1,000 to over $5,000.
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Real Market Examples in 2025:
| Note Type | Grading Condition | Approx. Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 $5 Star Note (circulated) | Fine/Very Fine | $100 – $300 |
| 1986 $5 Star Note (uncirculated) | Choice/Gem UNC | $800 – $2,500 |
| Low Serial Star Note | Gem UNC | $3,000 – $5,500+ |
| Rare District Issue (e.g., L-Star) | UNC | $2,000 – $4,000 |
Collectors especially prize bills with unusual or repeating serial numbers, such as radars (12233221), repeaters (45674567), or birth year patterns (19860704).
Are 1986 $5 Star Notes Still in Circulation?
Yes, surprisingly, many of these bills are still floating around, especially in:
- Old wallets or family savings folders
- Envelopes with “emergency cash”
- Grandparent keepsakes and inheritance items
- Coin and currency dealer back stock
The vast majority of people don’t recognize the value of a star note, meaning you could easily spot one in everyday change if you know what to look for.
What to Do If You Find a 1986 $5 Star Note
Follow These Steps:
- Handle carefully – Don’t fold or crumple the bill
- Store in a protective sleeve – Use acid-free plastic for storage
- Check for grading potential – Look for no creases, tears, or fading
- Take clear photos – Front and back, in natural lighting
- Get an expert appraisal – Contact a certified currency dealer
- Consider professional grading – Services like PMG or PCGS Currency add trust and resale value
Where to Sell or Get Your Bill Appraised
Once you verify your note’s rarity, you can sell or auction it through trusted platforms.
Top Selling & Appraisal Options in 2025:
- Certified Currency Dealers – Look for dealers with PNG or ANA membership
- Major Auction Houses – Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers
- Online Collecting Platforms – MA-Shops, eBay (for vetted sellers)
- Collector Forums – Paper Money Forum, Coin Community, Reddit r/papermoney
- Currency Shows and Expos – In-person evaluations and networking
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Summary – How a 1986 $5 Star Note Could Be Worth Thousands
| Feature | Value Impact |
|---|---|
| Star Symbol in Serial Number | Confirms it’s a replacement note |
| Uncirculated Condition | Drastically increases value |
| Fancy or Low Serial Numbers | Sought after by collectors |
| Rare Federal Reserve District | Can multiply the bill’s worth |
| Professional Grading | Adds trust and premium auction value |
While most people pass over a $5 bill without a second thought, the 1986 series with a star has proven to be a standout for collectors in 2025. With values climbing into the thousands of dollars, finding one of these bills could turn an ordinary wallet discovery into an extraordinary payday.
Rare 1986 $5 Notes With a ★ Star Could Make You Rich
An unassuming $5 bill from 1986 could be your hidden jackpot. If it carries a star symbol (★) in the serial number, you may be holding a rare replacement note that collectors in 2025 are paying thousands for. These “star notes” were printed in limited quantities to fix damaged bills during production, making them far scarcer than regular issues. Combine that with unique serial numbers or pristine condition, and even an everyday fiver could fetch over $7,000. Check your wallets and family drawers—you just might have a money-making relic hiding in plain sight.
| Feature/Marking | What It Means | Collector’s Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Series Year: 1986 | Printed during the Reagan era; older notes now scarce | Series noted near Lincoln’s portrait – lower print volumes |
| Star Note (★) | Replacement bill due to printing defect, marked with a ★ in serial number | ★ at beginning or end (e.g., ★12345678A or A12345678★) |
| Federal Reserve District | Some districts printed fewer star notes (e.g., “E” for Richmond, “I” for Minneapolis) | Rare districts add collector premium |
| Paper & Ink Quality | High-quality paper without creases, stains, or folds | Only crisp uncirculated bills reach $5,000+ range |
| Serial Number Type | Low numbers (00000010), ladders (12345678), or repeaters (45454545) | These patterns skyrocket auction value |
| Printing Errors | Double prints, seal misalignments, or ink smudges | Don’t “fix” errors – they make the bill unique |
| Grading Status | Professionally graded by PCGS or PMG as CU64+ | Graded notes sell higher and faster |
| Auction Performance | Sold for $2,300–$7,600 in 2025 depending on features | Verified auction sites include Heritage Auctions and eBay |
| Circulation Myth | Still occasionally found in circulation or change | Always check your change and old bill stashes |
| Best Selling Format | Framed, certified notes with history card | Appeals to both collectors and patriotic gift buyers |
Check your stash — a small star at the end of the serial number could make a big difference.
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What Makes the 1986 $5 Star Note So Special? Collectors Reveal the Hidden Value in Your Pocket
Most people see just another old $5 bill. But numismatists in 2025 are calling the 1986 $5 star note one of the most overlooked sleeper bills in modern U.S. currency. Why? Because these notes were printed during a quiet transitional era — with low visibility, limited runs, and now, skyrocketing demand.
Collectors aren’t just looking for any 1986 note — they’re after:
- 🔹 Low print runs with replacement serials (indicated by a star “★”)
- 🔹 Federal Reserve rarities like notes from Dallas (K), Minneapolis (I), or Atlanta (F)
- 🔹 Uncirculated bills with flawless margins and deep ink clarity
- 🔹 Serial numbers like “00000001★” or “99999999★” — absolute grails
| 🔍 FEATURE | 💡 WHY IT MATTERS |
|---|---|
| Year: 1986 | Not widely collected at the time – now seen as a vintage “forgotten issue” |
| Serial: Ends with a ★ | Indicates a star replacement note – printed in case of original error |
| Print Run Size | Some districts issued less than 640,000 star notes – extremely low quantity |
| Grading Bonus | PMG 66 or higher can push sale prices into $10,000+ territory |
| Public Awareness | Very few people know 1986 $5 star notes are rare – perfect time to hunt! |
| Authentication Importance | Fakes exist – only PCGS/PMG certified notes fetch full collector value |
| Sale Potential | Heritage Auctions, Stack’s Bowers, GreatCollections, and private collectors |
| Still Circulating? | YES – some notes still pop up in estate sales, old bank envelopes, and storage boxes |
Insider Fact: A 1986 $5 star note from the Dallas Fed in GEM condition recently sold for $9,840 at a private collector auction — and most people wouldn’t know it’s special just by looking.
Final Tip: Pull out your old wallets, grandma’s cookie tins, or forgotten birthday cards from the ’80s — you might be holding gold in green paper.
FAQ’s for 1986 Ordinary $5 Bills
Q1: What makes a 1986 $5 bill valuable?
A star symbol in the serial number, pristine condition, and rare serial or district print make it valuable.
Q2: How do I know if I have a star note?
Look at the end of the serial number — if there’s a ★ symbol, it’s a star note.
Q3: Are these notes still being used today?
Yes, many are still in circulation or tucked away in old collections.
Q4: Can I spend a star note at face value?
You can, but collectors may pay hundreds or thousands depending on its rarity.
Q5: Should I get my $5 star note graded?
If it’s in great condition or has a low/fancy serial number, grading is a smart move.
Q6: How rare are 1986 $5 star notes?
They’re not common, and some districts printed fewer replacement notes than others.
Q7: Where’s the best place to sell one?
Currency dealers, trusted online auctions, or through appraisal and consignment at a numismatic auction house.
Q8: What hurts the value of a rare note?
Folds, tears, stains, ink marks, and any handling damage can reduce its worth significantly.
