Tucked away in a drawer or wallet, a $2 bill might seem like a good luck charm, but its value could surprise you. These bills, often overlooked and underappreciated, can be worth a significant amount to collectors.
According to U.S. Currency Auctions, uncirculated $2 bills from 1890 can fetch at least $4,500, while those from 1862 to 1917 can sell for a minimum of $1,000. The value of these bills depends on factors like printing method and location.
Even newer bills can hold substantial value. A $2 bill printed in 2003 was sold at an auction for $2,400 in 2022. This particular bill boasted a low serial number, making it a rare find. It was later resold for $4,000.
Despite their potential value, $2 bills are relatively rare. The Federal Reserve reported that in 2022, only 1.5 billion $2 bills were in circulation, a small fraction of the total $54.1 billion of currency circulated that year.
The $2 bill features Thomas Jefferson’s face on the front and a portrait of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on the back. Despite its historical significance, the bill has struggled to gain popularity due to superstitions and associations with illicit activities.
In the early 20th century, the U.S. Treasury attempted to popularize the bill, but it failed. As a result, the government stopped issuing new $2 bills for a period. However, with the United States’ bicentennial approaching in 1976, the bill was reintroduced and remains in circulation today.
