What is an Australian star note?

An Australian star note (also called a replacement note) is issued when a banknote is damaged during printing. The replacement is identified by a star (*) symbol in its serial number prefix, distinguishing it from the regular print run.

Why are star notes valuable to collectors?

Star notes are produced in far smaller quantities than regular notes, making them significantly rarer. Their scarcity drives collector demand, and in high grades they can command substantial premiums over standard examples of the same denomination and signature pair.

Which Australian star notes are most sought after?

Pre-decimal star notes — particularly ten shilling and one pound star notes — are among the most prized. Decimal star notes from the first polymer series are also popular. In all cases, condition is paramount: PMG-graded uncirculated examples command the highest premiums.

How do I identify a star note?

Look for a star (*) at the beginning of the serial number, before the numeric sequence. On pre-decimal Australian notes, the star appears in the prefix letters. On decimal notes, it typically appears before the serial prefix letters.

Australian Star Note Banknotes

Replacement notes identified by a ★ in the serial prefix. Scarcer than regular issues across all denominations and eras.

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About Star Notes

When a banknote is damaged during the printing process, it must be replaced to maintain the correct count in a bundle. The replacement note is assigned a special serial prefix containing a star (★), allowing it to be distinguished from the regular print run without disrupting the sequential numbering.

Because star notes are produced only to replace defective notes, they exist in far smaller quantities than standard issues. This scarcity makes them highly sought after by collectors. A star note from a rare signature pair — or in pristine uncirculated condition — can be worth many times the value of its regular counterpart.

What is an Australian star note?: An Australian star note (also called a replacement note) is issued when a banknote is damaged during printing. The replacement is identified by a star (*) symbol in its serial number prefix, distinguishing it from the regular print run.
Why are star notes valuable to collectors?: Star notes are produced in far smaller quantities than regular notes, making them significantly rarer. Their scarcity drives collector demand, and in high grades they can command substantial premiums over standard examples of the same denomination and signature pair.
Which Australian star notes are most sought after?: Pre-decimal star notes — particularly ten shilling and one pound star notes — are among the most prized. Decimal star notes from the first polymer series are also popular. In all cases, condition is paramount: PMG-graded uncirculated examples command the highest premiums.
How do I identify a star note?: Look for a star (*) at the beginning of the serial number, before the numeric sequence. On pre-decimal Australian notes, the star appears in the prefix letters. On decimal notes, it typically appears before the serial prefix letters.