1928 and 1934 $500 and $1,000 FRN star notes were replacement notes that the BEP used to replace defective $500 and $1,000 Federal Reserve Notes. These star notes will have a star (*) at the end of the 8-digit serial number instead of a letter. The $500 and $1,000 bills were printed in series 1928, 1934 and 1934A. Star notes in this series are extremely rare and in some cases unique. As of Aug 2013, there are 186 $500 stars and 144 $1,000 stars known. Most collectors collect these types of star notes by series and districts. Jhon E Cash has the most extensive census ever assembled on these rare star notes. You will soon be able to download the census on this website. Jhon E Cash has a new book due out this year called, "The History and Census of the US $500 and $1,000 Star Notes". You will also be able to download the book ,from this site when completed.
1934 $500 stars with a 1 to 4 back plate number is a non star and plate numbers 5-12 are mule notes. On the 1934A $500 stars all of the are mules notes.
On the 1934 $1,000 stars 0 to 4 are non Mules with a 1934 front and a 1934 back plate. If the 1934 $1,000 star has a back plate number of 5 to 8 it is a mule with a 1934 front plate and a 1934A back plate.
On the 1934A $1,000 star it is the opposite. If the back plate is 1 to 4 it is a mule with a 1934A front plate and a 1934 plain back plate. If the back plate number is 5 to 8 then it is a non mule with a 1934A front and back plate.
The
Bureau of Engraving and Printing's (BEP)
takes you to the official government site of the BEP
for some interesting information and facts on all of
our US currency.
US Papermoney will take you to a site that
is full of information on everything you ever wanted
to know about our US currency. Almost everything
anyway. Very cool site!
The American Numismatics Association (ANA) is a
professional organization for those who want to
further learn about US coins and currency.
PMG and
PCGS are the only two TRUE independent
currency-grading services available. I highly
recommend these two companies for those of you who
want to get their currency certified and graded for
insurance purposes or simply, a peace of mind.