Introduction: The US $2 Bills note is often confusing. Most people assume that it is no longer printed or has been removed from the market, but the truth is that $2 notes are still regularly printed and in circulation by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Still, some of these special editions are so rare and valuable that these notes can prove to be a hidden treasure in your pocket.
In this article, we will give information about the most valuable coin and rare $2 notes, as well as how you can identify whether you have a special note or not.
History of the $2 note
The $2 note began in 1862, when it was first issued as a Legal Tender Note. At that time, the picture of the first US Finance Minister Alexander Hamilton was printed on it. But in 1869 this design was changed to Thomas Jefferson’s picture, which remains on this note till date.
Here are the major historical stages of the $2 bill:
| Period | Features |
|---|---|
| 1862–1869 | Portrait of Alexander Hamilton |
| 1869–1928 | Large-size notes, including portrait of Thomas Jefferson |
| 1928–1966 | Small-size notes, Red Seal |
| 1966–1976 | Discontinued, printing stopped |
| 1976–Present | Image of Declaration of Independence, Green Seal |
Today’s $2 bill is a Federal Reserve Note, Series 2017A. The reverse side features a painting of the “Declaration of Independence” by John Trumbull.
Most Valuable $2 Notes
Although millions of $2 notes are commonly in circulation and are worth just about their face amount, some of the notes below are quite rare and can sell for thousands of dollars:
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1890 Treasury Note (Coin Note)
- Feature: Large brown seal
- Value: $2,800 – $3,800 (in uncirculated condition)
- Why valuable: Backed by gold/silver, historical significance
1869 “Rainbow” Note
- Feature: Colorful design, red treasury seal
- Value: $500 – $2,500
- Why valuable: Colorful design and early editions
1928 Red Seal Notes
- Feature: Small size, red seal
- Value: $5 – $175 (in circulation), $1,000+ (uncirculated)
- Why valuable: Beginning of modern design
1976 Bicentennial Notes (Special Serial with number)
- Feature: Issued on the occasion of Independence Day
- Price: $2 – $20 (common), up to $900 (special numbers like 12345678)
- Why valuable: Unique serial numbers or printing errors
Error Notes
- Feature: Double serial numbers, misprint
- Price: $500 – $1,500
- Why valuable: Printing errors make them unique
Star Notes
- Feature: (star) symbol in the serial number
- Price: $100 – $500
- Why valuable: Printed in limited numbers
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Low Serial Number Notes
- Feature: Serial numbers like 00000001
- Price: Highly valued (high bids in auctions)
- Why valuable: Favorite of collectors due to uniqueness
How to identify valuable notes?
Check the year and series
- Before 1928: Large size notes
- 1928-1966: Red seal
- After 1976: Green seal, usually just the face value
Look at the color of the seal
- Red Seal: High value
- Brown Seal: Very rare
- Blue Seal: Silver Certificates, collectible
- Green Seal: Normal value
Look closely at the serial number
- Low number: 00000001
- Solid number: 5555555
- Ladder number: 12345678
- Palindrome: 1329931
- Reads the same even if reversed
- Star note: ★ mark at the end
Look for printing errors
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- Missing seal
- Repetition of serial number
- Upside down back side
- Ink smear or off-center print
If you have a valuable $2 note So what to do?
- Handle with care: always hold by the edges
- Save for collection: store in an acid-free plastic holder
- Research the value: online or compare with books
- Get it authenticated: graded by PCGS Currency or PMG
Selling options:
- Currency dealers
- Online marketplaces such as eBay
- Currency shows or auctions
- Official information sources
- Bureau of Engraving and Printing
- U.S. Currency Education Program
- The U.S. Department of the Treasury
Conclusion
A $2 bill can easily sell for a huge sum, if it has something special, including an older design, a unique number, a mistake during printing or a special star mark. If you ever come across a $2 bill, check it throughly, as you could find a rare item.
FAQs
Q1. Are $2 bills still in circulation today?
A. Yes, $2 bills are still legal tender and are printed by the U.S. Treasury, although they are not commonly used in daily transactions.
Q2. What makes a $2 bill rare or valuable?
A. Rarity is often determined by the bill’s year of issue, condition, serial number, seal color, printing errors, and historical significance. Older or limited-issue notes tend to be more valuable.
Q3. Which $2 bill is considered the rarest?
A. One of the rarest $2 bills is the 1890 Treasury Note (Coin Note), especially in uncirculated condition, which can be worth between $2,800 to $3,800.
Q4. What is special about the 1869 “Rainbow” $2 note?
A. It features a colorful design and a red Treasury seal, making it one of the earliest and most visually striking notes. Its value ranges from $500 to $2,500, depending on condition.
Q5. Are modern $2 bills worth anything above face value?
A. Generally, modern $2 bills (post-1976) are worth face value unless they have unique serial numbers or are in pristine uncirculated condition. Rare serial numbers can fetch up to $900.