2017A $20 Federal Reserve Notes Values (Star, Fancy SN#, Error & More)

Hi Kris! 👋

What you’re seeing on your 2017A $20 bill (the “20-780” typed on the bottom edge and “56-306” on the top edge) isn’t something printed by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The official parts of the note are the portrait, serial numbers, seals, and Treasury/Fed identifiers.

Those extra numbers along the edges look like someone used a counter, stamp, or a check encoder machine after the note was already in circulation. Banks, casinos, or even individuals sometimes mark bills like this for tracking, training, or even just by accident. They don’t add collector value—in fact, they usually reduce it slightly because collectors prefer unmarked notes.

The smaller number under the Federal Reserve seal (on the left side of Jackson’s portrait) is normal—that’s just a plate position number used by the BEP during printing. Every genuine bill has one.

So, in short:

• ✅ Bill is authentic.

• 🏷 Extra edge numbers are post-printing marks (not an error, not rare).

• 💵 Value: still $20 spendable money, no premium in the collector market.

Hi Mark, thanks for sharing your note!

Your $20 bill with serial number PG71717178A is actually more interesting than an ordinary one. It qualifies as a trinary, since it only uses three digits (7, 1, and 8). On top of that, it has a neat repeating rhythm — three sets of “71” appear in a row, which makes it stand out visually. Collectors enjoy those kinds of patterns because they feel more “designed” than random numbers.

It’s also what we call a “near miss” for a higher-tier fancy serial. If the last digit had been a 1 instead of an 8, you’d have four perfect “71” pairs in sequence, which would put it into a much more valuable category. As it is, it’s still a fun and collectible pattern that’s “close to perfect.”

In terms of value:

• In circulated condition, it’s mainly a cool find with perhaps a small premium above face value.

• If your note is crisp and uncirculated, some collectors might pay around $25–40, depending on interest.

So while it’s not a major fancy serial, it’s definitely above average and a neat one to hang on to. Great eye for spotting the pattern!

Below is a note-by-note breakdown using the three factors collectors care about most — run-size rarity, grade/condition, and eye-appeal (centering or errors). I pulled the official Bureau of Engraving & Printing star-note production numbers from our db and spot-checked recent eBay sales so you can see where the market really is.

*Prices assume you list them singly on eBay and accept a best-offer. A clean AU example from a scarce 640 k run is currently priced around $32 on eBay for reference. Notes from the big 3.2 M runs usually close only a dollar or two above face unless they grade uncirculated.

1. Are any of these “keepers”?

• Yes, if you simply enjoy star notes. They still trade slightly above face and make good album fillers.
• No, if you’re hoping for quick profit. None come from the small 160 k – 640 k “sheet replacement” runs that bring $30–$60\$30 – \$60 in circulated grade.

2. What about the “mis-alignment”?

Collectors pay for major cutting or print shifts — think borders slashed off on one side or part of a neighboring note showing. The slight right-hand margin variations here are within BEP tolerances and add no premium.

3. Best way to sell (if you do)?

1. Single listings: Photograph each note front & back, mention the run size (3.2 M) in the title, set BIN $25 with “Make-Offer” on; expect $22 ± 1.
2. Lot listing: Group all four as a “starter set of $20 star notes” at $90 BIN / $80 BO; sometimes a collector bites for the convenience.
3. Local spend: If postage & fees aren’t worth it, just keep the nicest one for the collection and spend the rest.

Quick Take-away

All four are authentic replacement (★) notes but come from large print runs, so premiums remain small. Unless you enjoy keeping oddities, feel free to spend them or sell only if you’re comfortable netting just a few dollars above face.

Let me know if you’d like a ready-to-copy eBay description or a deeper dive into star-note rarity tiers!

Hi Nick—great find!

You’ve got a Series 2009 $20 star note (JK 00450439★) plus what looks like alignment/centering shift. A few quick notes on value:

• Star notes from this series usually carry a small premium in typical grades unless the print run is scarce or the note is truly Gem.
• The serial 00450439 doesn’t form a “fancy” pattern (not low, ladder, repeater, radar, etc.), so there’s no extra premium from the digits alone.
• For the misalignment: the premium depends almost entirely on severity:
  • Minor off-center (borders uneven but no design intruding into the margin): often only +$0–$10 over a normal star note.
  • Major shift (design clearly into the margin or part of an adjacent note visible / obvious cutting error): can jump to $100–$300+, with top prices reserved for dramatic, eye-catching examples.

Ballpark values (raw, ungraded):

• If your note is truly uncirculated (no folds, crisp) and the shift is minor, think roughly $25–$50.
• If the shift is major/visual “wow”, it can be well over $100, sometimes several hundred depending on how dramatic it is.

Is it worth an auction?

• Yes if the error is major (design intruding into the margin or a cutting error). Consider submitting to PMG or PCGS for an “Error” designation first—graded error notes tend to perform better.
• If the shift is subtle, an eBay Buy-It-Now with best offer is usually better than a no-reserve auction (minor errors often underperform at auction).

If you can, please share clear, straight-on photos of front and back (good light, no tilt) so we can gauge the exact shift and condition (folds/handling). I’m happy to give a tighter estimate once we see that.

Hi Kathy—thanks for sharing the details of your note!
Here’s a quick rundown of its collectability, likely value, and the easiest ways to sell it.

1. Why it’s interesting

2. Ball‑park value (June 2025 market)

*Prices based on “sold” and active Buy‑It‑Now listings for 2017A $20 star notes during the past 90 days.

Because the print run was large, most of the premium comes from condition plus the date pattern novelty. If your note is still crisp and uncirculated, aim for the higher end; if it has any folds or wear, expect closer to face value plus a couple of dollars.

3. How (and where) to sell

1. eBay or other online marketplaces
   • List under Small‑Size Federal Reserve Notes ➜ $20 ➜ Star Notes.
   • Use clear, well‑lit photos of front and back, close‑ups of the serial, corners, and edges.
   • Title example:

     2017A $20 Star Note – PC05222004★ – Birthday Serial 05/22/2004 – Choice UNC
     

   • Set a realistic Buy‑It‑Now (e.g., $34.99) with “Best Offer” turned on, or start an auction at $25.
2. Collector Facebook groups / currency forums
   • Post the same photos and ask for offers.
   • Many collectors are specifically looking for birth‑date notes; mention the date pattern up‑front.
3. Local coin & currency dealers or shows
   • Fastest way to convert to cash, but dealers usually pay wholesale—often only $1–$3 over face.

4. Quick checklist before you sell

• Handle carefully (no paper clips; store in a currency sleeve).
• Double‑check condition under bright light—any hidden folds lower the grade.
• Describe honestly (e.g., “Gem CU” vs. “VF with light center fold”).
• Highlight the date pattern—birthday/anniversary collectors are your niche market.

Bottom line:
If your PC 05222004★ is crisp and uncirculated, $25–$35 is a fair retail range right now. Finding someone born on May 22 2004 (or who values that date) can nudge it a bit higher, but large‑run PC star notes aren’t exceedingly rare. Listing on eBay with excellent photos and a modest Buy‑It‑Now is usually the simplest way to reach the right buyers.

Hope this helps, and good luck with your sale!

There was no official change in the paper composition or weight for the Series 2017A $20 bill. A perceived difference could come down to a fresher bill, minor printing variances, or environmental factors. If it feels truly suspicious, it never hurts to verify the security features or consult a bank for confirmation.