The $2 bill is an interesting piece of United States currency that many people don’t see in circulation very often. Though the $2 bill remains legal tender, most people tend to hang onto them due to their relative rarity compared to other denominations like the $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills.
While the $2 bill may seem uncommon, it actually still holds face value and can be used just like any other paper currency. However, some $2 bills are worth substantially more than $2 due to age, condition, low print runs, and other factors sought after by currency collectors and dealers.
What is the $2 bill?
The $2 bill is a current denomination of U.S. currency that was first introduced in 1862. The portrait featured on the front is Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States. The back features an engraving of the painting Declaration of Independence by John Trumbull.
While the $2 bill was discontinued in 1966, it was reintroduced in 1976 for the United States Bicentennial and has been in circulation ever since as a commemorative note. However, most Americans typically don’t see $2 bills in everyday transactions or even at bank withdrawals and instead receive higher denominations like $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills.
What gives the $2 bill value?
There are a few key factors that impact the value of a $2 bill:
- Age – Older $2 bills from early printings tend to be more valuable to collectors.
- Low Print Runs – Some $2 bill editions had very limited print runs, increasing scarcity and value.
- Condition – Bills in pristine uncirculated condition are worth more than worn circulated bills.
- Errors/Oddities – Misprints, test notes, and other oddities command significant premiums.
- Signatures – Notes signed by rare signers or celebrities garner interest.
For the most part, common 1976 and later series $2 bills with standard signatures and heavy circulation only have a modest collector premium over face value. But certain printings in like-new condition or with star notes, miscuts, and other peculiarities can be valued at many multiples of $2.
What is the value of old $2 bills?
The major types of old $2 bills and their typical value ranges include:
United States Note (1862-1966)
| Year | Value Range |
| 1862-1863 | $100 – $600+ |
| 1928 | $4 – $25 |
| 1953 | $3 – $10 |
| 1953A | $2.25 – $7 |
| 1953B | $2 – $5 |
| 1963 | $2 – $5 |
| 1966 | $2 – $5 |
The earliest large-sized $2 bills from 1862 can fetch well over $100. Other late 19th and early 20th century $2 bills have values from $20 to $50. The 1928 series is one of the more available and affordable older $2 bills for collectors.
United States Note (1976)
The 1976 $2 bills with a red seal and serial numbers were issued for the Bicentennial and have modest collector value:
| Condition | Value |
| Circulated | $2 – $5 |
| Uncirculated | $4 – $12 |
Federal Reserve Note (1976-Present)
Modern $2 bills with green seals have base values similar to the red seal 1976 note. However, specific production varieties can impact value:
| Type | Value |
| Circulated | $2 – $5 |
| Uncirculated | $4 – $12 |
| Replacement | $8 – $25 |
| Star Replacement | $15 – $50+ |
| Miscut/Error | $15 – $100+ |
Replacement notes indicated by a star or special serial number can double or triple the value. True miscut errors and large blocks of unseparated notes can be worth even more.
What is the value of special $2 bills?
There are also many special edition $2 bills that were printed for specific events, attractions, and purposes. These can carry large premiums among collectors and enthusiasts:
| Special Edition | Value |
| Disney Dollar | $10 – $50 |
| 1976 Dated Hawaii Note | $50 – $300 |
| Tuvalu 2003 Anniversary | $10 – $20 |
| Boston Tea Party 1976 | $10 – $20 |
| San Francisco Old Mint Commemorative | $10 – $20 |
These specialized $2 bills were created for specific events or destinations. Lower mintages result in greater scarcity and collector demand.
What other factors affect $2 bill value?
Here are some other aspects that can raise the value of $2 bills:
- Low Serial Numbers – Fancy serials like radar (12211221), repeater (14441444), or bookend (01234567) numbers.
- Binary – Serial numbers only containing 1s and 0s are popular.
- Solid Serial Number – All digits the same, like 02020202.
- Star Notes – Replacement banknotes indicated by a star suffix on serial.
- Web Notes – Notes with “www” starting a serial number.
- Super Repeater – Serial with multiple adjacent duplicate pairs, like 27121712.
Are $2 bills still being printed?
Yes, $2 bills are still being printed today in the Federal Reserve Note series first issued in 1976. However, printing is sporadic and relatively small in quantity compared to other denominations. This helps maintain the appeal of $2 bills to collectors and the public.
According to the U.S. Treasury Department and Bureau of Engraving and Printing, there have been several recent printings of $2 bills:
- 152 million printed in 2005
- 112 million printed in 2011
- 104 million printed in 2012
So while $2 bills remain in active production, printing is limited to help retain novelty value and prevent large scale hoarding of unused $2 bills by collectors and speculators.
Should you spend or save $2 bills?
For most ordinary modern $2 bills that enter your wallet or cash register, it usually makes sense to spend them just like any other $1 or $5 bill. However, it can be wise to check first for any signs of collectible value before using a $2 bill in a transaction:
- Older dates prior to 1976 have higher collector value
- Check the serial number for star, radar, or other special sequence
- Inspect for perfect uncirculated condition
- Look for miscut errors, inverted backs, or missing elements
Bills with any of these traits may be worth much more than face value to collectors. For rare and unique pedigree $2 bills, selling to a specialist dealer can realize significant appreciation over just spending at face value.
Conclusion
While most $2 bills in circulation still maintain their $2 face value, some examples due to condition, production quirks, special editions, and signatures can make certain $2 bills worth a considerable premium. Examining a $2 bill for date, serial number, origin, and condition can uncover value many times above the spending power of just $2.