The $2 bill in the United States is currently one of the least used by citizens. This situation, added to its rarity, has turned it into an object of interest for collectors. Moreover, some specimens have fetched prices exceeding thousands of dollars. Therefore, we recommend that, in case you have one, you check its characteristics to see if you can get your hands on this large sum of money.
According to the Federal Reserve, there were approximately 1.4 billion 2-dollar bills in circulation in 2020. This is a small number compared to other series, which also serves as a factor for its price to rise exponentially.
Numismatic experts point out that, in addition to the few units in circulation, there are other characteristics that give it an extra value. Among them we can name the antiquity, the design and the special series. That is to say, not all the units have the same value, but it depends on how many of these characteristics they have.
The history of the 2 dollar bill in the United States
The paper money, whose face value is only USD 2, was issued for the first time in 1862. It featured a portrait of Alexander Hamilton, although in 1869 it featured Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States. Monticello, his residence in Virginia, has decorated its reverse since 1928.
In 1976, in celebration of the bicentennial of independence, the design underwent an update. The authorities decided to replace Monticello with a representation of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Since that time, this sketch has prevailed, and although the paper is still printed, its circulation is quite limited.
How to identify a valuable specimen in 2025?
While many $2 bills retain their face value, some can reach exorbitant prices, like other coins. Therefore, if a person believes he or she has one, the following steps will help you identify its value:
- Check the year of issue: according to US Currency Actions, those issued before 1976 tend to be more valuable, most notably those from the late 19th century.
- Condition: those that are out of circulation, that is, those that show no signs of use, are much more coveted.
- Inspect the stamp: specimens with red, brown and blue stamps are especially sought after by collectors.
- Examine the serial numbers: combinations such as “00000001”, “12345678” or repetitive patterns are highly demanded by collectors. This significantly increases their value.
- Look for printing errors: banknotes with manufacturing flaws, such as misaligned cuts or misplaced inks, are considered relevant rarities, which every collector wishes to have.
- Consult price guides: platforms such as US Currency Auctions, Heritage Auctions or Stacks Bowers, offer updated estimates based on recent sales.
- Obverse: if they have a portrait of Thomas Jefferson and a green stamp and serial number instead of red, they are very valuable.
- Reverse: they should contain the image of Monticello on the first issues or the vignette of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, accompanied with the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”. Both issues are in great demand by collectors.
How much is a $2 bill worth on the collector’s market?
The auction site US Currency Auctions has recorded sales of $2 bills that reached impressive figures. Here are some examples of these transactions:
- 1862: a specimen in excellent condition can fetch between $500 and $2,800.
- 1869: its price can exceed 3,800 dollars.
- 1890: an uncirculated paper money, with a red stamp, has reached 4,500 dollars.
- 2003: although more recent, a piece with a low serial number sold for $2,400 and in another case went for as much as $4,000. It is believed that in 2025 this piece could fetch $6,000.
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