What 2 Dollar Bills Are Worth Money

How to Determine 2 Dollar Bill Values

Kate Miller-Wilson

An avid antiques collector herself, Kate has written about antiques for many years. She has also managed an online antiques community.

Antique Collector

Due to their rarity, some 2-dollar bills' value may be much more than two dollars. In fact, certain cases, these bills can be worth thousands. Like all collectable coins and bills, 2-dollar bill value depends on many factors, including condition, the year of production, and more. The bills aren't easy to find, but they are very special.

The Rarest Currency Denomination

According to Business Insider, 2-dollar bills account for less than 0.001% of all currency in circulation. They are the rarest currently-produced money in the United States, and only about 1.2 billion 2-dollar bills are in current circulation. That may sound like a lot, but when you compare it to the 11.7 billion 1-dollar bills in circulation, it takes on a new perspective. From the time of its original production in 1862, it has occupied a strange spot in the list of currency denominations. In fact, 2-dollar bills weren't even produced from 1970 through 1975 because of lack of demand.

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How Much Is a 2-Dollar Bill Worth?

Because of its rarity, collectors pay attention to the 2-dollar bill. The rarity doesn't always translate to increased value, but it definitely does sometimes. As with all rare coin values, other factors are also important, including the following:

Condition - A 2-dollar bill in uncirculated condition will be worth more than one with significant wear.
Age - Older 2-dollar bills are more valuable than newer ones, as a general rule.
Serial number - 2-dollar bills feature different serial numbers, some of which are more valuable.
Misprints - Certain misprints, such as seals that are doubled or not placed properly, are very rare but are valuable.

2-Dollar Bill Value Chart

It helps to have a quick-reference chart to determine the value of 2-dollar bills based on date, seal color, and condition. This chart was compiled using data gathered by USA Currency Auctions about historical sales prices of 2-dollar bills and covers some important examples, such as the 1862 2-dollar bill, the 1953 2-dollar bill, and the re-issued 1976 2-dollar bill.

Year	Seal Color	Circulated Value	Uncirculated Value
1862	Red	$500 - $1,000	$2,800
1869	Red	$500 - $1,200	$3,800
1874	Red	$400 - $1,000	$2,400
1878	Red	$275 - $475	$1,100
1890	Brown or Red	$550 - $2,500	$4,500
1896	Red	$300 - $1,100	$2,100
1918	Blue	$175 - $375	$1,000
1928	Red	$4 - $175	$25 - $1,000
1953	Red	$2.25 - $6.50	$12
1963	Red	$2.25	$8
1976	Green	$2	$3
1995	Green	$2	$2.25
2003	Green	$2	$2
2013	Green	$2	$2

Which 2-Dollar Bill Serial Numbers Are Valuable?

Unlike US coins, some bills have serial numbers printed on them. If your 2-dollar bill has a serial number on it, it may be worth more. Look for the following symbols or patterns that can indicate a valuable 2-dollar bill:

Palindromes - Also called "radar notes," these serial numbers read the same whether you look at them backwards or forwards.
Repeated numbers - If the serial number repeats, this is rare and more valuable.
Star - If the serial number includes a star, it is a replacement bill and may be much more rare.

Where to Get 2-Dollar Bills

You won't get many 2-dollar bills in change, but they are out there in circulation. If you want to collect newer ones or use 2-dollar bills to give a gift of money, you can ask for them at your bank. They may need to go back to the vault to get them, but most banks have them on hand. You can find collectible 2-dollar bills on auction sites as well.

If in Doubt, Have It Appraised

If you are wondering if you have a valuable 2-dollar bill, consider getting it appraised. Some appraisers specialize in rare coins and currency, and they can give you the final word on whether you have a bill that's worth two dollars or thousands.