Rare $2 Bill Learn how rare $2 notes and unique serial numbers can increase the value of your notes by thousands. Learn how to identify valuable $2 notes, check serial numbers, and understand their true market value with our expert guide.
Many people think that $2 notes are rare, but in reality, millions of $2 notes are still in circulation and continue to be printed. Although most $2 notes are only worth their face value, some notes can sell for thousands of dollars on the collector market.
The market for collectible $2 notes is quite active. Many $2 notes are sold through online marketplaces such as eBay, Heritage Auctions and currency dealer websites. However, if you want to make money by investing in collectibles, you may find more lucrative options elsewhere.
The demand for rare $2 notes means that sellers often find buyers quickly, especially for well-preserved or unique notes. Typically, old and flawed notes sell the fastest and for the highest prices.
The Most Valuable $2 Notes from the 1800s and 1900s Rare $2 Bill
Not all $2 notes are valuable, but some versions are unique due to their rarity, historical significance, or printing errors. But like the most valuable coins, it’s very unlikely that you’ll ever see these notes in your everyday life. As you’ll see, notes printed in the 1800s are the most valuable.
Do you have a stack of 2 dollar bills? You might have thousands!
Most people think that 2 dollar bills are rare—and to some extent, they’re right. But what if that ordinary-looking 2 dollar bill in your drawer is actually worth hundreds or thousands of dollars? Whether you inherited a stack of notes, found a lost note, or you’re saving it for good luck, it’s time to find out if your 2 dollar note is more than just pocket money.
This copyright-free article will walk you through everything you need to know, from star notes to valuable serial numbers, and even how to find their value online.
The $2 bill isn’t commonly seen in everyday transactions, but some versions of it are worth far more than their face value. Whether you have an 1890 note worth thousands of dollars or a 1976 Bicentennial note with a special serial number, it’s important to make sure you’re not holding a hidden gem.
History of the $2 Bill
The $2 note in U.S. currency first came into circulation in 1862, and although it continues to be produced today, it remains one of the most misunderstood and overlooked notes of U.S. currency.
Key Historical Facts:
- First Issued: 1862
- Most Common Portrait: Thomas Jefferson (since 1928)
- Red Seal: Series prior to 1963
- Green Seal: Modern notes from 1976 and beyond
Legal Tender Notes from 1862 and 1869
The oldest $2 notes, issued in 1862 and 1869, feature a portrait of Alexander Hamilton (later replaced by Thomas Jefferson). Because of their historical significance and limited availability, these notes are extremely popular among collectors.
Depending on condition, these notes can be worth anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.
1890 $2 Treasury Note
An 1890 $2 Treasury Note with a picture of General James McPherson is worth more than $4,500, according to US Currency Auctions. However, it could be worth thousands of dollars more at auction, especially if it is in mint condition.
1928 Red Stamp Notes
The 1928 $2 note featured the first stamp of Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello. Unlike later versions, this note had a red stamp instead of green. Collectors love these notes because they were part of the oldest series of modern $2 notes.
Current notes can be worth anywhere from $5 to $175, but uncirculated notes in good condition can be worth several hundred dollars to over $1,000.
1953 and 1963 Red Seal Notes
Although these are not as valuable as older notes, they are still collectible. Depending on their condition, they can be worth anywhere from $5 to about $20.
1976 Bicentennial $2 Notes (with special serial numbers or stamps)
The 1976 $2 notes were issued to commemorate the U.S. Bicentennial, and although most of these are worth only face value, some notes with special serial numbers, misprints, stamps, or star notes can be worth anywhere from $20 to $900.
What is a Star Note?
A star note is a replacement note issued by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing when a note is misprinted during production. Instead of reusing the original serial number, a star is placed at the end of the number.
Why are star notes valuable?
- They are printed in limited quantities.
- They are more rare than regular notes.
- Some notes are considered highly collectible, especially those with low serial numbers or old dates.
Rare $2 Bill Star Notes and Their Value
| Year | Star Note Range | Estimated Value (Uncirculated) |
|---|---|---|
| 1953 | ★A00000001A A99999999A | $500 – $2,000+ |
| 1976 | ★L00000001A L99999999A | $100 – $750 |
| 2003 | ★F00000001A F99999999A | $50 – $300 |
| 2013 | ★B00000001A B99999999A | $20 – $250 |
| 2017 | ★G00000001A G99999999A | $15 – $150 |
How to Check the Serial Number of a 2 Dollar Note
- The serial number of your 2 dollar note is the key to finding its hidden value.
- Valuable serial number types:
- Low serial numbers (00000001 to 00000100)
- Repeater note (example: 12121212)
- Radar note (example: 12344321)
- Ladder note (example: 12345678)
- Solid note (example: 7777777)
- Binary note (example: 01010101)
- Birthday note (example: 07041976 = July 4, 1976)
Use a star note lookup or an online serial number checker (such as mycurrencycollection.com) to determine rarity and value.
$2 Bill Value by Year and Series
| Year | Condition | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1928 | Circulated | $50 – $500 |
| 1953 | Circulated | $10 – $300 |
| 1976 | Circulated | $2 – $35 |
| 2003 | Uncirculated | $5 – $50 |
| 2013 | Uncirculated | $2 – $20 |
| 2017 | Star Note | $15 – $150 |
Where to Sell Rare $2 Notes
If your $2 bill is a star note, has a unique serial number, and is in great condition, it could be worth far more than face value. Get it checked by a professional
If you think your $2 note is valuable, these are your options: eBay: Many collectors look for rare serial notes here. Local coin/currency dealers Online auction houses: such as Heritage Auctions Currency valuation websites
How many $2 notes are still in circulation?
Despite their rarity, $2 notes are still surprisingly common. As of December 2023, more than $3.2 billion worth of $2 notes were in circulation, according to the U.S. Treasury. And that figure has been rising steadily every year for nearly two decades.
Although they are less prevalent than other denominations, $2 notes are still being printed. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing printed about 128 million new $2 notes in fiscal year 2023 alone.
Although it may seem rare to find $2 notes lying around at a gas station or grocery store, they are still considered legal tender, and banks may still issue them upon request. However, due to their low demand in everyday life, many people mistakenly assume they have ceased to circulate.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2 Dollar Notes and Their Value
1. What is a 2 dollar star note?
The 2 dollar star note is a replacement note with a star at the end of its serial number. It is issued when there is an error in the original printing.
2. Are 2 dollar star notes rare?
Yes, especially if they are from older years like 1953 or 1976. Modern star notes are less rare, but are still collectible in good condition.
3. How do I check if my 2 dollar note has value?
Check:
- If it’s a Star Note
- The serial number
- The condition of the bill
- Its year and series
- Use an online database to look up the serial number.
4. How much is a 2 dollar note from 1976 worth?
In circulation: About 2-3 dollars. Obsolete or Star Notes: $20-100 plus depending on rarity.
5. What makes a 2 dollar note’s serial number valuable?
Unique patterns such as:
- small numbers
- repeated digitspalindromes
- birthdays
can increase collectors’ interest and value.
6. Where can I find serial numbers for 2 dollar notes?
Try these websites: MyCurrencyCollection USCurrencyAuctions Star Note Lookup Tool