The $2 bill is an often overlooked denomination of United States currency. Though the $2 bill remains legal tender and is still printed, it is not commonly used in everyday transactions. As a result, some people are surprised to come across these notes and may wonder if they have any additional value beyond face value.
In particular, there is sometimes curiosity around older $2 bills, especially those printed in 1976 for the United States Bicentennial. So how much is a 1976 $2 dollar bill actually worth today? Let’s take a closer look.
A Brief History of the $2 Bill
The $2 bill has had a number of iterations since its first introduction in 1862. After 1869, no new $2 bills were printed for nearly 80 years until the series of 1928. The 1928 $2 bills featured a portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the face until the design was changed in 1953 to feature Alexander Hamilton.
In 1966, the $2 bill design was changed again, this time featuring a portrait of Thomas Jefferson from the Declaration of Independence. This design, which we still see on $2 bills today, was initially created as part of a series commemorating the Declaration of Independence.
While most denominations of paper currency feature portraits of deceased former presidents, the $2 bill is the only denomination to feature a Founding Father who was never president.
The 1976 Bicentennial $2 Bill
In 1976, a special edition of the $2 bill was issued to mark the bicentennial or 200th anniversary of American independence. These bills featured the same portrait of Jefferson on the face but had a new design for the back.
Instead of the standard design featuring the Great Seal of the United States, the bicentennial $2 bills featured an engraved rendition of John Trumbull’s famous painting The Declaration of Independence on the back. Made to look like the original painting, the back design depicts the presentation of the first draft of the Declaration of Independence.
Over 85 million of the new bicentennial $2 bills were printed and released into circulation in April and July of 1976. While not extremely rare, they can be harder to find in circulation today over 45 years later. Some people held onto them specifically because of the unique commemorative design.
Valuing a 1976 $2 Bill
While no longer commonly used in transactions, $2 bills remain legal tender with a face value of $2. This means a 1976 $2 bill retains a monetary value of $2.
However, as collectible items, some specific $2 bills may be worth more than face value:
Condition
The first key factor is the condition of the bill. Circulated bills that show signs of wear will be worth face value. But uncirculated bills in mint condition can have higher values, especially if graded and certified by a professional service like PCGS Currency or PMG.
Low Print Runs
Some $2 bills had very low print runs, making them more scarce and collectible. For example, some 1928 $2 bills are extremely rare and can be worth thousands.
Star Notes
Star notes – bills with a star symbol at the end of the serial number – can also sometimes command a premium. This can apply to 1976 $2 bills.
Fancy Serial Numbers
Serial numbers with interesting patterns (like repeated numbers) can increase value on both common and rare bills. Fancy serials on 1976 $2 bills can add to the appeal.
| Condition | Value |
|---|---|
| Circulated | $2 |
| Uncirculated | $2 – $5 |
| Uncirculated Star Note | $5 – $15+ |
| Uncirculated Fancy Serial | $10+ |
As you can see, while most normal circulated 1976 $2 bills are only worth face value, uncirculated and special serial number examples can be worth a small premium. However, truly rare bills like 1928 series notes are far more valuable.
Finding 1976 $2 Bills
While 1976 $2 bills can sometimes be found in circulation, your best chance of finding nice uncirculated examples is through dealers and auction houses that specialize in paper money. Some options include:
- Local coin shops or currency dealers
- Coin shows and conventions
- Online auction sites like eBay
- Major auction houses like Heritage Auctions and Stack’s Bowers
Carefully inspect any 1976 $2 bills you find to check for signs of wear, quality of centering, and special serial numbers. It’s important to understand the market value before making any purchase.
Selling 1976 $2 Bills
If you are considering selling a 1976 $2 bill, some options include:
- Sell to a local dealer or at a coin show
- List in an online auction through eBay or similar marketplace
- Consign to a major paper money auction house like Heritage or Stack’s Bowers
To get full value, uncirculated and fancy serial number examples should be certified and graded through services like PCGS or PMG first. Circulated examples in average condition often just trade for face value.
Caring for 1976 $2 Bills
If you want to preserve a nice 1976 $2 bill you own, proper storage and handling are important:
- Avoid excessive folding or creasing of the note
- Store in an archival holder or album made from inert materials
- Keep away from direct sunlight and high humidity
- Handle carefully by the edges to avoid fingerprints/damage
With careful preservation, an uncirculated 1976 $2 bill can maintain its condition and eye appeal. However, no special treatment is needed for circulated examples worth only face value.
Authenticating 1976 $2 Bills
Counterfeiting of paper money is a real concern for both collectors and dealers. Some ways to check authenticity of a 1976 $2 bill include:
- Examine the portrait, details, color, and feel of the paper
- Check for a normal serial number sequence and style
- Look for the secure ribbon running vertically on the reverse
- Use a detector pen or UV light to check paper composition
- Compare against images of authentic bills
- Submit to a reputable authentication service like PMG or PCGS
Authentication protects against fraud and helps ensure you do not overpay for counterfeit banknotes. Consult an expert if you have any concerns.
The Future of 1976 $2 Bills
While new $2 bills have been printed every year since 1976, the bicentennial design was a one-time issue. The special 1976 design honoring the 200th anniversary makes these bills popular among collectors and historians.
Supplies of uncirculated examples will likely continue declining as more bills enter circulation from collectors and dealers. Over time, nice condition examples may become scarcer. However, circulated 1976 $2 bills will likely always remain just face value.
The 1976 $2 bill occupies an interesting intersection between a circulating currency and collectible note. While only worth $2 to spend, the appeal and legacy of the bicentennial issue is undeniable. Collectors are wise to pick them up and preserve them when found. And you never know when you might get lucky and find one in your pocket change!
Conclusion
While common circulated 1976 $2 bills are only worth their $2 face value, uncirculated examples or special serial number varieties can be worth small premiums to collectors and enthusiasts. However, truly rare $2 bills like some 1928 series notes can be worth thousands.
When evaluating a 1976 $2 bill, check the condition closely, watch for star notes and fancy serial numbers, verify authenticity, and compare values against other sales and price guides. With some luck and perseverance, you may be able to find a nice collectible 1976 $2 bill for your currency collection.