How Much Is a 2-Dollar Bill Worth? Value Chart & Rarity Guide

Due to their rarity, certain 2-dollar bills can be worth much more than their face value of two dollars. In some instances, these bills can fetch thousands of dollars. As with all collectible currency, the value of a 2-dollar bill is influenced by several factors, including its condition, the year of issue, and more. While these bills are not commonly found, they hold significant value for collectors.

2-Dollar Bill Value Guide

For a quick reference, here’s a chart to help you estimate the value of 2-dollar bills based on their issue year, seal color, and condition. This chart is based on data collected by USA Currency Auctions, which reviewed historical sales prices for various 2-dollar bills, including notable examples like the 1862, 1953, and 1976 series.

Year	Type	Size	Seal Color	Circulated Value	Uncirculated Value
1862	United States Note	Large	Red	$500 – $1,000	$2,800
1869	United States Note	Large	Red	$500 – $1,200	$3,800
1874	United States Note	Large	Red	$400 – $1,000	$2,400
1878	United States Note	Large	Red	$275 – $475	$1,100
1890	Treasury Note	Large	Brown or Red	$550 – $2,500	$4,500
1896	Silver Certificate	Large	Red	$300 – $1,100	$2,100
1918	National Currency/FRBN	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

Key Points to Remember

As you can see from the chart, some 2-dollar bills come in larger sizes than others. The oldest bills, known as “large notes” or sometimes referred to as “horse blankets,” are significantly larger than the modern bills. These large notes typically measure around 7.42 by 3.1 inches and are often among the most valuable 2-dollar bills in circulation.

How Rare Are 2-Dollar Bills?

While 2-dollar bills are relatively rare, there are still a significant number of them in circulation. According to the Federal Reserve, approximately 1.2 billion 2-dollar bills are currently in use. While this may seem like a large number, it’s important to put it into perspective. There are about 11.7 billion 1-dollar bills circulating, meaning 2-dollar bills represent less than 0.001% of all U.S. currency in circulation.

The rarity of 2-dollar bills is partly due to their limited production. Historically, these bills faced a lack of demand, and as a result, fewer of them were printed. In fact, production of the 2-dollar bill stopped between 1970 and 1975 because of this low demand.

Another factor contributing to the rarity of the 2-dollar bill is its place in economic history. When the bill was first issued in 1862, two dollars was a substantial amount of money. For instance, in 1936, the average American wage was about 45 cents per hour, and many families couldn’t afford to hold two dollars in a single bill. As inflation increased over time, the difference in value between the 1-dollar and 2-dollar bills became less significant, leading to less demand for this denomination.

How Much Is a 2-Dollar Bill Worth?

The value of a 2-dollar bill can vary significantly, ranging from its face value of two dollars to over $1,000, depending on several factors. For example, a pre-1913 2-dollar bill in uncirculated condition is worth at least $500, and even circulated versions of these older bills can be worth $100 or more. On the other hand, 2-dollar bills from the 1990s and beyond generally hold close to their face value.

Collectors highly value 2-dollar bills because of their rarity. While the scarcity doesn’t always result in a high price, it does in many cases. Several key factors influence the value of these bills:

• Condition: Bills in uncirculated condition are typically worth more than those that show signs of wear.
• Age: As a general rule, older 2-dollar bills are worth more than newer ones.
• Serial Number: Some serial numbers are considered more valuable than others.
• Misprints: Rare misprints, such as doubled or misplaced seals, can make a bill significantly more valuable.

Five of the Rarest 2-Dollar Bills to Watch For

While encountering extremely rare 2-dollar bills in your daily transactions is unlikely, it’s still fascinating to know about some of the most valuable examples. Here’s a guide to spotting these rare 2-dollar bills:

Rare 2-Dollar Bill	How to Spot It
1928B $2 Red Seal Star Notes	Look at the serial number. If it starts with a star and ends with a B, it’s a rare find.
1890 Treasury Note 2-Dollar Bill	Check the portrait. This bill features a portrait of General James McPherson, a rare design.
1862 2-Dollar Legal Tender Note	Examine the portrait. Early bills from this era feature a profile picture of Alexander Hamilton.
1976 Bureau of Engraving & Printing Doubled Serial Number 2-Dollar Bill	Inspect the serial number. If it’s doubled, with one number printed over the other, it’s highly collectible.
1869 2-Dollar Legal Tender Note	Look at the location of the portrait. On this bill, an oval featuring Thomas Jefferson appears on the left side.

Knowing how to identify these rare bills can help collectors spot valuable finds and appreciate the history behind them.

Which 2-Dollar Bill Serial Numbers Are Valuable?

Certain serial numbers on 2-dollar bills can significantly increase their value. Here are some serial number patterns and symbols to look for:

• Palindromes (Radar Notes): These serial numbers are the same when read forward or backward. They’re highly sought after by collectors for their unique symmetry.
• Repeated Numbers: When a serial number contains repeated digits, such as “111111” or “222222,” it’s considered rare and more valuable.
• Star: A star symbol at the end of the serial number indicates that the bill is a replacement note, which is often much rarer and therefore more valuable.

Can I Look Up My 2-Dollar Bill Serial Number?

While there’s no online tool that allows you to instantly look up the value of your 2-dollar bill based on its serial number, you can still learn what each part of the serial number means. The Bureau of Engraving & Printing provides detailed information on serial numbers, which can help you understand what makes your bill unique.

Where to Get 2-Dollar Bills

While it’s rare to receive 2-dollar bills as change, they are still in circulation. If you’re looking to collect newer ones or give a gift of money with a unique touch, you can request 2-dollar bills at your bank. While they may need to retrieve them from the vault, most banks can provide them upon request. For collectible 2-dollar bills, online auction sites are a good place to search for specific or rare editions.

If in Doubt, Have It Appraised

If you’re uncertain whether your 2-dollar bill is worth more than its face value, consider having it appraised. Professional appraisers, particularly those specializing in rare coins and currency, can assess its value and provide you with a definitive answer. Other rare currency, such as Sacajawea dollars, may also hold surprising value, so getting a professional opinion can be a smart choice.

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