Series 1963B $1 "Barr Note" Star Replacement Note (Chicago) – Fr. 1902-G* – Fine to Very Fine (F 15 – VF 20)

Item Overview

• Denomination: $1.00 (One Dollar)

• Currency Type: Small-Size Federal Reserve Star Replacement Note (Green Treasury Seal & Green Serials with Star Suffix)

• Series: Series 1963B (The famous single-series "Barr Note")

• Issuing District / Authority: Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, Illinois – District G / Number 7

• Catalog Reference: Friedberg # 1902-G* (Fr. 1902-G* Star Replacement)

• Serial Number: G 53666086 *

• Signatures / Officials:

  • Kathryn O'Hay Granahan (Treasurer of the United States)

  • Joseph W. Barr (Secretary of the Treasury)

• Plate Position / Identifiers:

  • Check Letter & Position: Quadrant D, Position 4 (upper left)

  • Face Plate Number: D 111 (lower right)

Key Variety & Numismatic Significance: The "Barr Star"

• The Barr Backstory: Joseph W. Barr served as Secretary of the Treasury for merely 28 days (December 23, 1968 – January 20, 1969) under President Lyndon B. Johnson. Because of this historically brief tenure, Series 1963B is the only series to bear his signature.

• Star Replacement Scarcity: While millions of standard 1963B notes were hoarded by the public as novelties, star replacement notes were printed in much smaller quantities.

  • For the Chicago District (G), only 3,200,000 replacement star notes were printed.

  • A true 1963B Star Note commands a substantial premium over regular Barr notes.

Fancy Serial Breakdown

• Serial Number Analysis: 53666086 *

  • Digits Present: 0, 3, 5, 6, 8 (Features a central triple six 666).

  • Pattern Breakdown: A standard production replacement run with a solid five-pointed star suffix (*). While not a strict ladder, radar, or repeater, the central triple 666 sequence is a popular visual callout in live auctions and listings.

Condition & Visual Grade

• Estimated Technical Grade: Fine to Very Fine (F 15 – VF 20)

• Preservation Highlights:

  • Complete paper body retaining moderate firmness with clear black intaglio detail and bold green overprints.

  • Displays honest commercial circulation: moderate vertical folds, a light horizontal center bend, and softened perimeter fibers.

  • Natural age-toning and light handling patina along the white border margins.

  • Minor handling foxing/toning spot near the right margin numeral 7.

  • Intact border margins on all four sides with no large tears or paper loss.