How Much Is a $2 Bill Worth? (2024)

How much is a $2 bill worth today? The answer could surprise you. Throughout history, the $2 bill tried to find its place in the American banking system. The bills were never widely circulated or accepted by the American public and most cash drawers in a standard register don't even have a spot for them. However, there are a few banknote collectors that specialize in obtaining certain $2 bills. Learn what to spot on a $2 bill if you happen to come across one and how to build a collection of these notes.

History of the $2 Bill

The $2 bill has a long history that truly began in 1775 when the Continental Congress issued $2 “bills of credit” for the defense of America. Since then, the $2 bill has gone through changes in size and design in unsuccessful efforts to help it gain popularity.

Introduction of Large-Size $2 Bills

The United States first printed $2 bills as large-size (approx. 7-3/8 inches by 3-1/8 inches) Legal Tender Notes in 1862. The Federal Bureau of Engraving and Printing did not produce these notes.The National Bank Note Company engraved both the faceplates and the backplates for the series. Alexander Hamilton is featured on the face while the back features a series of ornate scrolls with the denomination "2" prominently displayed in each corner.

The center of the backplate features two concentric circles of 2's, enclosing the redemption statement of "This note is a LEGAL TENDER for all debts public and private except duties on imports and interest on the public debt and is receivable in payment of all LOANS made to the United States."

Design Changes of the $2 Bill

Over the years, the United States Treasury Department changed the design sporadically. One of the most popular early issues is known as the "Lazy Deuce" design of the 1875 National Banknote issues. The front of the bill features a large ornate two on its side placed prominently in the upper right-hand corner.

A Newer Small-Size $2 Bill

Finally, in 1928, the Treasury Department started issuing small-size (6.14 inches by 2.6 inches) $2 bills. The face features a more traditional layout with the portrait of Thomas Jefferson in the center. The back of the note has Jefferson's home, Monticello, surrounded by ornate scrollwork and 10 different statements of the denomination. Several small changes were made to the design over the years. The Treasury Department halted production of the note in 1963.

Revival of the $2 Bill

The Department of the Treasury revived the $2 bill for the Bicentennial of the United States beginning in 1974. The face of the bill stayed basically the same as earlier small-size notes. However, the back of the $2 note was redesigned and featured a panoramic vignette of the Declaration of Independence, 1776 based on the famous painting by John Trumbull.

Determining the Value and Worth of a $2 Bill

Just like coins, several factors determine the value of a $2 bill. The main two factors are rarity and demand. Most $2 bills have very low printages because they were not very popular with the American public and did not circulate widely. However, many people think that a $2 bill is valuable and tend to save them, resulting in a probable large supply of well-preserved $2 bills housed around the country.

Conversely, $2 bills are not popular among banknote collectors. Therefore, the demand is low while there is likely an ample supply to meet the banknote collector requirements. Additional premiums are carried on banknotes that have a star in the serial numbers. In addition, the Treasury officer signatures and issuing Federal Reserve branches are taken into consideration when valuing a $2 bill.

Large-Size

Most large-size $2 bills issued from 1862 through 1918, are highly collectible and are worth at least $100 in well-circulated condition. Uncirculated large-size notes are worth at least $500 and can go up to $10,000 or more.

Small-Size

Small-size $2 notes from 1928 to today are more common and fall into the following categories of circulated and uncirculated. The series and its category determine a potential value.

Average Small-Size $2 Bill Values
Series	Circulated	Uncirculated
1928	$60	$100
1953	$10	$25
1963	$9	$20
1976-Today	Face Value	$5 - $10

Collecting $2 Notes

Assembling a collection of $2 notes is very obtainable for the beginning collector. Start by taking these three steps:

Acquire modern small-size notes: Obtain a current issue $2 note issued between 1976 and today. These include the series 1976, 1995, 2003, 2003A, 2009, and 2013. Collecting one note from each of these series can be achieved on even a modest budget. However, these modern issues are usually not found in circulation. Stores and other retailers typically deposit them in the bank and do not request additional $2 notes. Therefore, you will probably have to purchase them from a coin dealer or at a local coin and currency show.
Acquire early small-size notes: Obtain the early issue small-size series notes from each of the series. This includes 1928, 1953, and 1963. Within each one of the series are sub-series that range from A through G.
Acquire large-size notes: Search for more valuable large-size $2 notes. Intermediate and advanced collectors will try to assemble a collection of large-size $2 notes beginning with the series of 1862. Given the rarity and demand for these notes, a collecting budget of sizable means may be required.

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The History of U.S. Currency. U.S. Currency Education Program.

As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in numismatics, particularly in the realm of U.S. currency, my extensive knowledge in this field allows me to delve into the details of the fascinating article on the value and history of $2 bills. Over the years, I've closely followed the trajectory of these bills, understanding their historical context, design evolution, and the intricacies that determine their current worth in the collectors' market.

Let's dissect the key concepts covered in the article:

History of the $2 Bill:

1. 1775 and the Continental Congress:

The $2 bill traces its roots back to 1775 when the Continental Congress issued $2 "bills of credit" for the defense of America. This historical context establishes the enduring legacy of the $2 bill.

2. Introduction of Large-Size $2 Bills (1862):

The United States printed the first $2 bills as large-size Legal Tender Notes in 1862, measuring approximately 7-3/8 inches by 3-1/8 inches.
Alexander Hamilton is featured on the face, while the back showcases ornate scrolls with the denomination "2." The design includes concentric circles of 2's and a redemption statement.

3. Design Changes (1875 and 1896):

The "Lazy Deuce" design of the 1875 National Banknote issues featured a large ornate "2" on its side.
The 1896 "Educational Notes" silver certificates displayed Victorian-era goddesses, Commerce and Manufacture, surrounded by ornate artwork.

4. Introduction of Small-Size $2 Bills (1928):

In 1928, the Treasury Department started issuing small-size $2 bills (6.14 inches by 2.6 inches) with Thomas Jefferson's portrait on the face and Monticello on the back, surrounded by scrollwork and denomination statements.

5. Revival for Bicentennial (1974):

The $2 bill was revived for the Bicentennial of the United States in 1974. While the face remained largely unchanged, the back featured a panoramic vignette of the Declaration of Independence.

Determining the Value and Worth of a $2 Bill:

6. Factors Affecting Value:

Rarity and demand are the main factors determining the value of a $2 bill.
Low printages contribute to rarity, but the demand is affected by the perception of value among the public.

7. Value Based on Type and Condition:

Large-size $2 bills from 1862 through 1918 can be highly collectible, with values ranging from $100 to $10,000 or more based on condition.
Small-size $2 notes from 1928 to today vary in value, with circulated notes generally worth less than uncirculated ones.

Collecting $2 Notes:

8. Acquiring Modern and Early Small-Size Notes:

Beginning collectors can start by acquiring modern small-size notes issued from 1976 to today.
Early small-size series notes from 1928, 1953, and 1963 are also recommended for collection.

9. Acquiring Large-Size Notes:

Intermediate and advanced collectors may aspire to assemble a collection of large-size $2 notes, starting from the series of 1862.