Additional Coverage:
- 7 Signs Your $2 Bills Could Be Worth a Small Fortune (financebuzz.com)
Think Your $2 Bill Is Worth a Fortune? Here’s How to Tell
The $2 bill is a curious piece of American currency. While still in circulation, it’s less common than other denominations, leading to rumors of some being worth thousands of dollars.
Could you be holding a small fortune? Here’s how to find out:
A Quick History Lesson
The $2 bill debuted in 1862, featuring Thomas Jefferson on the front and John Trumbull’s Declaration of Independence painting on the back. It’s gone through several redesigns since then, and some older versions are quite valuable.
Is Your $2 Bill Rare?
- **Who’s on the Front?
** Most $2 bills feature Thomas Jefferson. However, a rare Alexander Hamilton version exists and could be worth $4,500 or more, depending on its condition.
- Check the Back (Jefferson Bills): Pre-1976 Jefferson bills depict Monticello, his Virginia estate.
Later versions show the signing of the Declaration of Independence. While not as valuable as the Hamilton bill, early versions can still fetch a decent sum.
- Misprints: Misprinted bills are rare but highly sought after by collectors.
Look for errors in text, printing, or fonts. However, confirm any suspected errors with a reputable source before getting your hopes up.
- Seal Color: The seal’s color can indicate value. Bills from 1862-1917 with blue, brown, or red (a misprint of the blue seal) seals can be worth over $1,000.
- Year of Printing: Bills printed before 1976 generally hold more value, even if only a few dollars above face value. Uncirculated 1995 bills can be worth $500, while mint-condition 1862 bills can range from $500 to over $2,800.
- Serial Number: 1976 $2 bills with the serial number starting with “1” could be worth up to $20,000. Other low serial numbers can also be valuable.
- Star Notes: A star at the end of the serial number signifies a replacement note and can increase value. For example, a 1953 red star note was recently listed online for $1,200.
The Bottom Line
While there are billions of $2 bills in circulation, finding a rare one is still possible. While most aren’t worth more than face value, it’s worth checking yours. You might be surprised!
Read More About This Story:
- 7 Signs Your $2 Bills Could Be Worth a Small Fortune (financebuzz.com)