Wow, I filled the 10,000 character limit in the first post! I could write a book, if anyone actually wanted to read what I posted! On another currency topic, *Star Notes*! These fascinate me. I don't know why, but they do, and based on the following they have, I am not the only one. Maybe it's because they are different from the norm. Maybe because another of my many interests is astronomy. Maybe, subliminally, it's interesting to have something that the government clearly admits making a mistake on? Who can tell, but I would bet it's more the first two then the last . The majority of my stars have been pulled from circulation. Oddly enough, I find more $20 stars then anything else. I've found three so far. I've found a grand total of 1 $1 and 1 $5 stars in circulation, and have not found a $10 yet. I've only been looking for about a year, however. I'll always remember getting my first star. I used to travel to Toledo, Ohio every year for a convention. While there, I went into the Hobby Town USA, likely to purchase some paint or supplies, for my other hobby of model car building. I ended up buying something, I am sure, but what, I don't know. When the lady handed me back my change, I spotted instantly that the bill was a Star! It's a 1999 $1, and it was pretty badly beat up, but wow, my first star note! I was so excited to get it, and I am still excited that I got it! In fact, despite the fact that it was less then a year ago, I can't remember what exactly it was that I bought! All I can remember is that star note being handed to me. It was a thrill, for sure. (That was a good trip for another reason, one of my models was photographed and appeared in Scale Auto Magazine, not the first time I had one of my models published but the first time in the main Scale Auto book) I also remember in the take a penny tray I spotted two wheat cents. I decided that I must have them, so I rooted around in my pocket, and all I could come up with was a dime. So, as I left the store, the take a penny jar had two less cents but a dime in it As it turned out, they were nothing special, but I didn't know that at the time. I find it weird how I find more stars in $20s then anything else. Actually, my mom has found two, where I found one. I also found my $5 star. I've taught my mom a little bit about currency and she looks through them all now for star notes. Now, there is only ONE thing I don't like about currency. I don't like how it's NOT dated the year it was issued. I think it would be much better to have various years on the notes instead of 2004-A. (just an example) I know there is a reason for this, and I am sure I was told at one point, but I can't remember the reason. No matter what it was, I don't feel that it is sufficient. That is my only complaint about currency. On the other hand, it makes my collection goal above a little easier-if I had to chase each year dating back to the 1920s, it may not be possible, and it would certainly cost me more in volume of things to purchase alone! Ok, well, that is my thoughts on currency. Perhaps I will think of some more at some point, and post another entry or comment to this one. PS. Most of my currency has been posted in the Currency forum here, scans both front and back
