When a$2 bill printed in 2003 sold at an auction for $2,400, it prompted a viral interest in the value of these relatively uncommon notes. But, the numismaticauction house that sold it is asking people to hold their horses.
Not every $2 bill is likely to have a higher value, Heritage Auction, the largest numismatic auction house in the world told KENS5.
Ever since that lucky 2003 note resold for $4,000, Raiden Honaker, the consignment director at Heritage Auction told KENS5 the phones haven't stopped ringing.
"It blew up across the country," Honaker told the outlet. "It was cool to see the interest in numismatics. People started digging out those $2 bills to see if they hit the jackpot."
But while, possessing a $2 note could yield you a huge profit, not all notes are worth more than face value.
$2 bills:Do you have a $2 bill lying around? It could be worth nearly $5,000 depending on these factors
Uncommon but not rare
Out of the $54.1 billion currency that circulated in 2022, only $3 billion were $2 notes. The note is considered uncommon but not rare.
U.S. Currency Auctionsestimates that uncirculated $2 bills from 1890 could sell for up to $4,500, and uncirculated bills from nearly every year between 1862 and 1917 for at least $1,000.
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Which $2 bills are worth money
"Out of all the $2 notes that are issued, probably 99% of them are worth face value," Honaker told KEN5. "Over the past five years, more than 100 million two-dollar notes have been printed. So, beyond common."
The value of these bills depends on several factors including:
- Serial number: Honaker told KEN5 that collectors like notes with low serial numbers.
- Error: Notes with a dramatic error could be worth more.
- Condition: The more pristine the condition, the higher the value.
- Seal: A note with a red seal can sell for $300 to $2,500, while those with brown or blue seals may fetch hundreds.
FAQs
If the $2 bill was minted and printed before 1976, it would likely be worth more than its face value on the collectibles market. In some cases, it might be worth only $2.25. The highest value is $4,500 or more for uncirculated notes from 1890, although most of those bills range in value from $550 to $2,500.
Is a $2 bill worth $5000? ›
Although $2 bills are rare to find, if you own one, there's a chance it has a high value. Based on specific factors, some versions of the currency may be worth up to $5,000, per the US Currency Price Guide. FOX 13 Tampa reported that these bills were discontinued by 1966 but brought back 10 years later.
What $2 bill is worth $20,000? ›
Serial numbers
The serial number is the big one. It's printed on the left and right sides of the front of the bill, typically with a letter at the front. “What we look at is fancy serial numbers,” Johnston said. “A serial number '1' for a 1976 $2 bill would be worth $20,000 or more.
How much is a Declaration of Independence $2 bill worth? ›
An actual 1776 $2 bill would be worth about $250 in decent condition.
How much is a $2 bill worth today? ›
Unless it has a unique feature, like a low serial number or misprint, a newer $2 bill likely isn't worth much more than $2, even if it's uncirculated.
What should I look for on a 1976 $2 bill? ›
It all comes down to three factors: the serial number, the date and the note's condition. “What we look at is fancy serial numbers,” Johnston said. “A serial number '1′ for a 1976 $2 bill would be worth $20,000 or more. But for a majority of those people holding 1976 $2 bills, they are only worth face value.
Are $2 bills worth saving? ›
A circulated $2 bill, even if it's from the 1800s, may only be worth a few hundred dollars, the auction service reports. Newer bills, like one printed in 2003, could also have significant value. A $2 bill recently sold at an auction for $2,400, according to Heritage Auction. (It later resold for $4,000.)
How much is a 1953 Red Seal $2 bill worth? ›
The red seal means it is a United States Note. There were four different series of 1953 two dollar bills 1953, 53A, 53B, and 53C. Star notes for these series are worth RETAIL, 1953 $22, 53A $19, 53B $20, and 53C $25. The wholesale values will of course be lower.
How much is a $2 bill with a green seal worth? ›
A newer bill with a green one is likely worth face value. With a red seal, the value generally starts to go up. Age is also a huge factor. If you're looking for a high dollar $2 bill, it would be pre-1900, and it would have to be in a very high condition graded condition," said Pinto.
How much is a $2 bill from 2000? ›
Because they're still circulating, most $2 bills are worth exactly that – $2. Any $2 bill dating back to 1976 that has been in circulation – and any uncirculated versions since 2003 – are worth only their face value, USCA says.
A well-worn 1957 $1 Silver Certificate that isn't graded by PCGS Banknote but has no rips, tears, or stains is usually worth around $1.50 to $2. Heavily worn 1957 $1 bills, such as those that are rag-like in appearance, are discolored, and/or have handwriting are generally worth only face value.
How do I know if my $2 dollar bill is worth money? ›
You can find the value of your $2 bill by visiting their U.S. currency price guide online at uscurrencyauctions.com. U.S. Currency Auctions estimates that uncirculated $2 bills from 1890 could sell for up to $4,500, and uncirculated bills from nearly every year between 1862 and 1917 for at least $1,000.
How do I check the serial number on my $2 bill? ›
Serial Number
A unique combination of eleven numbers and letters appears twice on the front of the note. Each note has a unique serial number. The first letter of the serial number corresponds to the series year.
Can I order $2 bills from my bank? ›
Where can I get $2 bills? Local banks should have $2 bills. If your bank does not have any current inventory, it can order $2 bills from the Federal Reserve Bank.
Is a 2013 $2 bill worth more than $2? ›
Any $2 bill dating back to 1976 that has been in circulation – and any uncirculated versions since 2003 – are worth only their face value, USCA says.
How much is a 1953 $2 dollar bill with red ink worth? ›
Typically a 1953 red seal in this condition would be worth $5-10. However due to being a star note, I would value it around $15-25. You probably know this, but star notes were issued to replace bills that were damaged in production. It is only a small percentage that are replaced.
