Your $2 bill could be worth a lot more than its face value

Have you ever looked at a $2 bill and wondered if it’s just another piece of cash or if it could be hiding a small fortune? For a long time, many people have overlooked or even avoided the $2 bill, believing it to be unlucky or out of circulation.

But, as surprising as it might sound, your $2 bill could be worth far more than its face value. In fact, certain $2 bills are being sold for thousands of dollars at auctions!

Despite being less common than other bills, the $2 note remains very much alive and in circulation. In 2023, the Federal Reserve reported that 1.6 billion $2 bills were circulating. This is quite small compared to the 14.5 billion $1 bills, which might be why many people think the $2 bill is rare. But there’s more to this story—its value lies in its unique history and sometimes in its rarity.

The $2 bill has been around since 1862, when it first featured the portrait of Alexander Hamilton. A redesign in 1869 replaced Hamilton with Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, whose image remains on the bill to this day. Over the years, the design of the $2 bill has changed slightly, especially on the back. But what’s exciting is that some of these older designs and rare editions can fetch thousands of dollars from collectors.

#HappyBirthday, Mr. President! Thomas Jefferson was born April 13, 1743, in Shadwell, #Virginia and first appeared on the $2 bill in 1869. #FoundingFather pic.twitter.com/XeoOxrbqk9

— BEP (@BEPgov) April 13, 2021

The value of a $2 bill depends on factors like the year it was printed, its condition, and even the color of the seal on the front. For example, bills printed between 1862 and 1896 with red, brown, or blue seals can be worth up to $5,000 if they are in pristine condition. Even if they’ve been used and are a bit crumpled, these bills can still be worth over $1,000. More recent $2 bills, from 1917 to 1928, can sell for anywhere between $50 and $1,000, depending on how well-preserved they are.

One thing to keep an eye out for is “fancy serial numbers” on the bills. These rare numbers can significantly increase the value of your $2 bill, sometimes as high as $6,000!

Went to withdraw a bunch of $2 bills for WPAFW, and one of them was almost 100 years old pic.twitter.com/9i1bL4BXaY

— Sketchy Weredonkey (@SketchyMouse) September 27, 2024

So, the next time you come across a $2 bill, don’t dismiss it too quickly. Check its date, condition, and serial number—you might be holding a small treasure.

Do you have any $2 bills lying around? Have you ever thought about their potential value? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and don’t forget to pass this article along to friends who might also be sitting on a fortune!