Star Notes

U.S. currency that does not pass inspection is removed for destruction. This creates a problem for the printers, as the serial numbers are automatically done by computer in the printing process. There were only two options: spend 3 days reprogramming the computer every time a note or sheet didn't pass, or create replacement notes - issued to replace a damaged, destroyed or lost note.

U. S. currency replacement notes have a star at the beginning or end of the serial number. Thus, replacement notes of the United States are known as "star notes". Other countries use asterisks or might start with the letter R or the number 9, depending on the country.