Despite the $2 bill’s seemingly insignificant value at first, some variations of this money can be worth much more than its face value—some as much as $20,000.
Auction houses and collectors are constantly searching for certain characteristics that add to the rarity and value of these bills. Here’s how to determine whether a $2 note in your wallet contains a secret treasure, using everything from distinctive serial numbers to misprints.
How to Identify High-Value $2 Bills
- Examine the Serial Numbers: The serial number can be found on the bill in the upper-right and lower-left corners. This is the first place to examine.
- Exotic Serial numbers: Exotic serial numbers, such as those for solids (like 22222222) and ladders (where the numbers read the same forward and backward), can push the price up to a considerable amount. At auction, a strong serial number may bring thousands of dollars.
- Look for the Star Symbol: If the serial number includes a star, your $2 bill is a replacement note. These are significantly rarer than ordinary bills since they were printed during the printing process to replace defective ones.
- Check the Date: $2 notes printed before 1917 are quite valuable, especially if they are still uncirculated. Because of their historical relevance, notes from the 1800s can command high prices even in lesser grades.
- Check for Errors: Another telltale sign of precious currency is printing errors. Ink smudges, misaligned seals, or duplicate serial numbers can make a $2 bill worth hundreds of dollars into a collector’s item.
Types of Valuable $2 Bills
Here are the most sought-after $2 bills that could be worth thousands:
| Type of $2 Bill | Estimated Value | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1976 $2 Bill with Serial Number 1 | Up to $20,000 | Low serial number (e.g., 00000001) |
| Star Note (Low Print Runs) | $500 to $5,000 | Star symbol replacing the last letter in the serial |
| Uncirculated 1918 $2 Bill | $1,000 and up | Older series, better condition |
| Ladder or Solid Serial Numbers | $2,500 to $10,000 | Sequential or identical digits in the serial number |
| Misprints or Errors | $1,000 to $15,000 | Includes overprinting errors and misaligned seals |
Current Sales at Auction
Here are some instances of $2 bills that have recently gone up for thousands of dollars at auction:
- A 1976 $2 bill with serial number 00000001 sold for $20,000.
- A Heritage Auction brought $4,500 for an uncirculated 1918 note.
- An incorrect note dated 2003 was sold for $2,400, and it was soon after resold for $4,000.
Some $2 bills can sell for as much as $20,000 or more, although most bills in circulation are only worth their face value. You may find that you’re holding onto a priceless piece of American currency history by carefully inspecting your $2 bills for minting faults, distinctive serial numbers, star notes, and other characteristics.
To ensure you obtain the most money for your bill, always consider having it professionally evaluated or selling it through a respectable auction house.