Anika Markle 
2 dollar bill
Do you have an old $2 bill tucked away for good luck? It might be time to take another look—your bill could be worth far more than face value! Collectors often pay a premium for rare or unique $2 bills, with some fetching thousands of dollars at auctions.
Rare $2 Bills and Their Value
According to U.S. Currency Auctions, uncirculated $2 bills from 1890 can sell for at least $4,500, while uncirculated bills from most years between 1862 and 1917 can fetch $1,000 or more. The value depends on factors like the printing method and location.
Even newer bills can hold surprising value. For instance, a $2 bill printed in 2003 with a low serial number sold at auction for $2,400 in 2022. That same bill was later resold for $4,000 through Heritage Auctions, the world’s largest numismatic auction house.
How Rare Are $2 Bills?
Although $2 bills aren’t commonly seen, they aren’t as rare as you might think. In 2022, the Federal Reserve reported 1.5 billion $2 bills in circulation—just a small portion of the $54.1 billion in total currency that year.
A Quick History of the $2 Bill
The $2 bill features Thomas Jefferson on the front and a depiction of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on the back. Despite its historic design, the bill has had a rocky reputation. Superstitions and associations with illegal activities, like voter bribery, led to its decline in popularity. Efforts to boost its use in the early 20th century failed, and the government temporarily stopped issuing the bill.
The $2 bill made a comeback in 1976 to celebrate America’s bicentennial. While still in circulation today, it remains one of the most unusual denominations in U.S. currency.
Take a Closer Look!
If you have a $2 bill lying around, inspect it carefully. Whether it’s an antique from the 1800s or a newer bill with unique features like a low serial number, it could be a valuable find!