RARE CHANGE / NOTES / PLATE 32 · $1 · 1966-1972 · NOTE
Paper $1 star note, and what it's worth
An Australian paper one dollar star replacement note, with any of its three signature pairs (Coombs/Wilson, Coombs/Randall or Phillips/Randall), whose serial number has a prefix starting ZA and ends in an asterisk.
A genuine one, barely worn
$950
Middle half of sales $700 to $1,300. Lowest $420, highest $5,000.
Hammer prices (before buyer's fees) from 69 single-item sales at Noble Numismatics and Downies, 2016 to 2026. Updated 30 Oct 2026.
Prices by condition
AUDWorn coins sell for less. Find the row that looks most like yours.
Heavily wornGood to Very Good · 7 sales
$300
WornFine · 16 sales
$340
Lightly wornVery Fine · 8 sales
$500
Barely wornExtremely Fine · 29 sales
$950
Never usedUncirculated · 9 sales
$1,300
Line: lowest to highest sale. Box: the middle half of sales. Dot: the median, half sold for more and half for less.
Recent sales
HammerHow to check yours
Each letter on the drawing marks where to look. A magnifying glass or your phone's zoom helps.
-
Check A: Does the serial number end in an asterisk instead of a digit?
The end of the serial number on the front- YES
- A six-pointed asterisk sits where the serial number's final digit would be.
- NO
- The serial number ends in a digit.
-
Check B: Does the prefix start with the letters ZA?
The three letters printed before the serial number- YES
- The prefix reads ZA followed by one more letter, such as ZAA or ZAF.
- NO
- The prefix starts with a letter other than Z.
-
Check C: Do the two signatures read Coombs and Wilson?
The two printed signatures on the front of the note- YES
- The signatures are those of H.C. Coombs and R. Wilson, the first printing of $1 star notes.
- NO
- The signatures read Coombs and Randall, or Phillips and Randall.
The free photo checker is on its way.
Record
- Face value
- $1
- Issued
- 1966 to 1972
- Signatures
- Coombs/Wilson (1966, 1967, 1968)
- Signatures
- Coombs/Randall (1968, 1969)
- Signatures
- Phillips/Randall (1969, 1970, 1971, 1972)
- Star notes were printed to replace notes spoiled during production. [3][5][6]
- Australia used star replacement notes from 1948 until 1972. [4][3]
- On decimal star notes a six-pointed asterisk takes the place of the serial number's final digit; pre-decimal star notes used a five-pointed star. [4][5]
- Decimal star note prefixes start with Z, and the second letter shows the denomination; ZA is the $1 note. [4][5]
- The paper $1 note was first issued in February 1966 with Queen Elizabeth II on the front and Aboriginal designs drawn from David Malangi's artwork on the back. [1][2]
Questions
How much is a Paper $1 star note worth?
A genuine Paper $1 star note in barely worn condition (Extremely Fine) has typically sold for $950 at Australian auctions, with the middle half of sales between $700 and $1,300. Better-preserved examples sell for more.
How do I know if my Paper $1 star note is genuine?
Work through the checks above. They cover what genuine examples show and what altered or different versions don't. A photo can't prove a coin or note is genuine, so for a valuable find, ask a professional numismatist or a grading service before you sell.
Should I clean it?
No. Cleaning leaves fine scratches that collectors spot at once, and cleaned coins and notes sell for much less. Keep it as it is, in a paper envelope or a coin holder.
Sources
Every fact on this page comes from at least two independent sources. Prices come from our own record of auction results.
- RBA Museum: Decimal Series 1966-1967 (A Decimal Reformation pocket guide), read 29 Oct 2026
- Wikipedia: Banknotes of the Australian dollar, read 29 Oct 2026
- Sterling & Currency: Star Replacement Notes in Australia - How to Collect Them, read 29 Oct 2026
- Australian Coins: Star Notes or Star Replacement Banknotes, read 29 Oct 2026
- Coins and Australia: Star notes registry, read 29 Oct 2026
- KJC Gold and Silver Bullion: Decimal Star Notes, read 29 Oct 2026