Some 2-dollar bills may be worth much more than just two dollars due to their rarity. These bills can sometimes be worth thousands. The value of 2-dollar bills depends on several factors, such as condition, production year, etc. These bills aren’t easy to locate but are extremely valuable.
How rare are 2-dollar bills?
According to Business Insider, 2-dollar notes account for less than 0.001% of all currency in circulation. Only 1.2 million 2-dollar bills exist in circulation. It may seem like a large number, but it is a small amount when compared to the 11,7 billion one-dollar bills that are in circulation.
The fact that so few 2-dollar bills were printed is one of the main reasons why they are rare. They were not wanted. The 2-dollar bills were not produced between 1970 and 1975 due to lack of demand.
The economy and inflation are also factors in the rarity. Since its first production in 1862, this bill has held a peculiar place in the list. Two dollars were a large sum of money during the Great Depression. In 1936, an average American earned a starting wage of 45 cents per hour. Many families did not have the two dollars they needed to put into one bill. As inflation increased, the value of one dollar and two dollars became smaller. It felt silly to have bills that were so close in value.
What is the value of a two-dollar bill?
The value of 2-dollar bills ranges from $2 to $1,000 or more. A pre-1913 two-dollar bill that is in uncirculated conditions is worth at minimum $500. These very old 2-dollar notes are worth up to $100 even in circulated condition. The face value of newer 2-dollar notes, like those from the 1990s tends to be close to that of older bills.
Collectors are attracted to the 2-dollar note because of its rarity. Rareness doesn’t always mean increased value. But it does happen sometimes. Other factors also play a role in determining the value of rare coins.
- Condition– A bill worth 2 dollars in pristine condition is more valuable than one that has significant wear.
- Age Older 2 dollar bills are generally more valuable than the newer ones.
- Serial Number — 2-dollar bills have different serial numbers. Some are more valuable.
- Misprints – Some misprints are rare but valuable. For example, seals which are doubled, or are not placed correctly.
2-Dollar Bill Value Chart
This chart can be used to quickly determine the value of 2-dollar notes based on their date, colour seal, and condition. This chart was created using data collected by USA currency auctions on historical sales prices for 2-dollar bills. It includes some important examples such as the 1862 two-dollar bill and the 1953 two-dollar bill.
Year | Types of | Size | Seal Color | Circulated Value | Uncirculated Value |
1862 | United States Note | The Large | Red | $500 – $1,000 | $2,800 |
1869 | United States Note | The Large | Red | $500 – $1,200 | $3,800 |
1874 | United States Note | The Large | Red | $400 – $1,000 | $2,400 |
1878 | United States Note | The Large | Red | $275 – $475 | $1,100 |
1890 | Treasury Note | The Large | Brown or Red | $550 – $2,500 | $4,500 |
1896 | Silver Certificate | The Large | Red | $300 – $1,100 | $2,100 |
1918 | National Currency/FRBN | The Large | Blue | $175 – $375 | $1,000 |
1928 | United States Note | Small | Red | $4 – $175 | $25 – $1,000 |
1953 | United States Note | Small | Red | $2.25 – $6.50 | $12 |
1963 | United States Note | Small | Red | $2.25 | $8 |
1976 | Federal Reserve Note | Small | Green | $2 | $3 |
1995 | Federal Reserve Note | Small | Green | $2 | $2.25 |
2003 | Federal Reserve Note | Small | Green | $2 | $2 |
2013 | Federal Reserve Note | Small | Green | $2 | $2 |
The Five Most Rare 2-Dollar Notes to Look Out For
Even though you’re unlikely to find super rare 2-dollar notes in your change, or lying around the house, it is still important to know about these examples. This chart makes it easy to identify super rare 2-dollar notes.
Rare 2-Dollar Note | What to Look for |
1928B $2 Red Seal Star Notes | Check the serial number. It’s rare if it begins with a star, and ends with B. |
1890 Treasury Note 2-Dollar bill | Check out the portrait. This rare bill features James McPherson. |
1862 2-Dollar Legal Tender Note | Take a look at the portrait. You’ll find a portrait of Alexander Hamilton on these early bills. |
The serial number of the 1976 Bureau of Engraving & Printing 2-Dollar bill has been doubled. | Look at the serial numbers. It could be rare if the serial number is doubled or repeated. |
1869 2-Dollar Legal Tender Note | Take a look at the position of the portrait. On the left, you will see an oval with a photo of Thomas Jefferson. |
What 2-dollar Bill serial numbers are valuable?
Some bills, unlike US Coins, have serial numbers on them. Your 2-dollar bill may be worth more if it has a serial code. You can identify a valuable 2-dollar bill by looking for certain symbols or patterns.
- Palindromes– These serial numbers are the same when viewed backwards and forwards.
- Repeated Numbers– If you see the serial number repeated, it is more valuable and rare.
- Star If the serial number contains a star it may be a replacement note and is likely to be rarer.
Can I Look Up My 2-Dollar Bill Serial Number?
Bureau of Engraving & Printing can help you understand the meaning of each part of the serial numbers.
Find 2-Dollar bills
There are a few 2-dollar bills around, but you won’t find many in change. You can get them from your bank if you’re interested in collecting newer bills or using 2-dollar bills as a gift. Most banks will have these bills on hand, although they may need to return to the vault. Auction sites also have collectable 2-dollar notes.
If you are in doubt, have it appraised
Getting it appraised can help you determine if your 2-dollar bill is valuable. Some appraisers are experts in rare currency and coins and can tell you if you have a bill worth thousands or two dollars.