The $2 bill, also known as Tom, after Thomas Jefferson, is the second smallest denomination of US currency. Today, it’s one of the most underrated and least understood denominations in circulation.
While $2 bills make up only a tiny portion of all US currency, they’re still legal tender and can be used for any transaction where cash is accepted. But is this bill worth saving, perhaps?
Let’s find out!
How Much Is a $2 Bill Worth: Deciding Factors
A $2 bill is worth two dollars if it was produced between 1976 and 2013. However, if the bill is in an uncirculated condition, its value could be much higher. The year the bill was produced and the color of the seal will also affect its overall value (up to $4,500).
For example, a 1963 $2 bill with a red seal is worth between $4.00 and $6.00. A 1953 two–dollar bill with a red seal has about the same value, but a 1928 red seal bill increases its value to around $10.00–$20.00.
In addition, the value of a $2 bill will go up when special features like palindromes, repeated digits, and stars are present.
7 Interesting Facts About the $2 Bill
Here are some of the most intriguing details about the two-dollar bill.
1. A $2 bill is worth exactly two dollars if made between 1976 and 2003.
(HobbyLark)
There are no surprises when it comes to the 2–dollar bill‘s worth. All bills produced between 1976 and 2003 are worth exactly two dollars.
2. Contrary to popular belief, $2 bills are still being printed.
(PrepScholar)
The US first started printing $2 bills in 1862 and continued printing them in different designs until 1966. After 1966, printing was stopped for 10 years. It then picked back up in 1976, featuring a new design that’s still being used today.
While the front features a portrait of President Thomas Jefferson, the back of a two–dollar bill featured Monticello until 1976, when it was changed with an image of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
3. In 2022, the Treasury Department’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing will print 204 million $2 bills.
(CNN Business)
Although 1.4 billion $2 bills were in circulation in 2020, they amount to only 0.001% of the estimated value of all currency in circulation. In contrast, the 1943 and 1944 steel pennies are the most common coins in circulation in the US.
4. The $2 bill with a brown or red seal printed in 1890 can be worth $4,500 in uncirculated condition.
(Noname Antiques)
As mentioned before, the 2–dollar bill value will depend on its seal color and condition.
You’ll find five types of two-dollar bills:
- Federal Reserve banknotes with a green seal
- Notes with a red seal (legal tender)
- Silver certificates with a blue seal
- Gold certificates with a gold (or orange) seal
- National and Federal Reserve banknotes with a brown seal
If you have a brown, blue, or red seal 2–dollar bill, you’ll get more than $2 for sure. But how much more will largely depend on the bill’s age and condition.
An 1886 silver certificate with a brown seal could be worth between $350 and $900 in circulated condition. In contrast, an 1890 treasury note with a brown seal could reach prices of $550–$2,500 in circulated condition (and even up to $4,500 if it’s uncirculated).
5. The value of a $2 bill increases when certain features are included.
(Love To Know)
How do I know if my 2 dollar bill is worth anything?
To spot a valuable bill, look for the following features:
- Palindromes (serial numbers that read the same front-to-back as they do back-to-front)
- Repeated numbers (bills with repeating serial numbers are rare and therefore more valuable)
- Stars (bills with stars in the serial number indicate that they were printed as replacements for damaged bills, and they’re rare)
6. The first $2 notes were issued in 1862.
(The Bureau of Engraving & Printing)
Up until 1869, they featured a portrait of Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury. Today, the 2–dollar bill has president Thomas Jefferson on the front.
7. The 2-dollar bill was associated with political bribes in the past.
(WYTV)
The economy wasn’t great in the 18th and 19th centuries. US Presidents were making $25,000 a year (as opposed to their modern-day salary), and politicians bribed potential voters with $2 bills to try and earn their vote. So, if someone had a $2 bill, there was a chance they received it as part of a bribery attempt.
Conclusion
Now that you know all about the $2 bill value, you know what to do — keep an eye out for palindromes, repeated numbers, and stars in the serial number — these features increase the bill’s value.
And if you have a brown, blue, or red seal two-dollar bill, be sure to hold onto it, as these are the most valuable.
FAQs
Are $2 bills rare?
While $2 bills aren’t rare, they’re less common than other denominations. Only 0.001% of currency estimated to be in circulation is $2 bills, although, in 2022, the Treasury Department’s Bureau of Engraving and Printing will issue about 204 million 2-dollar bills.
How much is a 1976 $2 bill worth?
The value of a 1976 $2 bill is two dollars. However, if these bills have rare features, such as palindromes, repeated numbers, or stars in the serial number, they could be worth more.
Are 2–dollar bills worth saving?
A $2 bill, though not valuable in the traditional sense, is definitely worth saving if you come across one that may be worth more than its face value.
For example, a $2 bill with red, blue, and brown seal colors printed before 1976 will be more valuable than those with green seals. Furthermore, an uncirculated $2 bill will also be worth more.
And how much is a $2 bill worth in uncirculated condition, you may wonder. You can get anywhere between $2 and $4,500 for a two-dollar bill in uncirculated condition.
