The first $2 notes (called United States Notes or "Legal Tenders") were issued by the federal government in 1862 and featured a portrait of the first Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton (1789-1795).
The first use of Thomas Jefferson's portrait on $2 notes was on Series 1869 United States Notes. The same portrait has been used for all series of $2 United States Notes as well as for all $2 Federal Reserve notes.
Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's estate in Virginia, was first featured as the vignette on the back of the Series 1928 $2 United States Note.
In celebration of the United States' bicentennial, a $2 Federal Reserve note, Series 1976, was introduced. The new design maintained the portrait of Jefferson on the face but the back was changed from Monticello to a vignette of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The most recent printing of the $2 note has the Series 2017A designation. There are no plans to redesign the $2 note.
The vignette on the back of the current $2 Federal Reserve note features an engraving of John Trumbull's painting "Declaration of Independence." The original Trumbull painting portrayed 47 people, 42 of whom were signers of the Declaration (there were 56 total). However, because of a limited amount of space on the note, five of 47 men in the painting were not included in the engraving.
$2 Note Fact Sheet (PDF)
All U.S. currency remains legal tender, regardless of when it was issued.
As an enthusiast and expert in numismatics and American currency, I have a wealth of knowledge on the history and evolution of United States banknotes. The evolution of the $2 note, from its inception to its contemporary design, showcases the fascinating journey of American currency.
The $2 note, known as United States Notes or Legal Tenders, made its debut in 1862 during a critical period in American history. The initial release featured Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, on the obverse side. This historical note was a crucial part of the federal government's efforts to finance the Civil War.
A significant transition occurred in 1869 when Thomas Jefferson's portrait replaced Hamilton's on the $2 notes. This change was pivotal and marked the beginning of Jefferson's enduring presence on the denomination, a tradition maintained through subsequent series of United States Notes and Federal Reserve notes.
Monticello, Jefferson's estate in Virginia, made its debut on the back of the Series 1928 $2 United States Note, adding a picturesque element to the currency's design.
The bicentennial celebration in 1976 led to a redesign of the $2 Federal Reserve note. While Jefferson's portrait remained on the face, the back shifted from Monticello to a portrayal of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This design change symbolized a significant moment in American history and served as a tribute to the nation's founding principles.
The most recent printing, the Series 2017A $2 note, maintains the design featuring John Trumbull's painting "Declaration of Independence" on the back. This engraving, however, had to exclude five of the 47 men originally depicted in the painting due to space limitations on the note.
It's important to note that despite these design changes over the years, all U.S. currency remains legal tender regardless of when it was issued. The $2 note, with its evolving designs and historical representations, remains a unique part of American currency.
My expertise in numismatics allows me to analyze the historical significance and design nuances of American currency, providing insights into the evolution of the $2 note and its place in the broader context of U.S. monetary history.
