2 Bill Value

How Much Is a 2 Dollar Bill Worth? Complete Value Guide

Ute Hauser

About the Author

In Bodø, where winds whip off the Norwegian Sea and daylight is a seasonal privilege, historian Ute Hauser enjoys collecting American banknotes.

“A nation’s soul isn’t just in its monuments—it’s in its money,” she writes on her blog, Paper States.

What started with a single 1928 $2 bill found in an Oslo antique shop has grown into one of Europe’s private collections of U.S. currency. 

On Paper States, you’ll find:

  • The Presidents Who Almost Made It Onto Bills
  • Why American Notes Look So Different From Europe’s
  • $2 Dollar Bill Value Chart
  • Top 5 U.S. Errors That Turn Ordinary Pieces Into Small Fortunes
  • How the Civil War Changed America’s Paper Money Forever

Connect with Ute:

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Introduction

At first glance, the $2 bill looks almost mythical—a banknote many Americans have never seen. Yet it’s as real as any $1 or $5 bill and just as legal to spend.

First issued in 1862, the $2 bill carries a long, quirky legacy in American money. Its current design, introduced in 1976 for the U.S. Bicentennial, features Thomas Jefferson on the front and an engraving of The Signing of the Declaration of Independence on the back.

So why don’t you see them often? The answer lies in limited production, odd public perceptions, and a dash of folklore:

  • Many banks don’t regularly stock $2 bills.
  • People often hoard them as keepsakes.
  • The bill has long been linked to gambling, racing, and even political bribes.

Yet make no mistake: the $2 bill is 100% legal tender and still produced by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing today. But what is the value of a $2 bill? Most modern examples are worth exactly $2, but certain older issues—such as Red Seal Legal Tender Notes—can fetch $5 to $500+ on the collector market.

Types of $2 Bills & Their Rarity

Not all of them are created equal. Over the past 160+ years, the U.S. Treasury has issued many types of $2 specimens—some common, some incredibly rare. Understanding which type you have is key to determining its potential 2$ bill value.

Large-Size $2 Bills (1862–1928)

1917 $2 Bill Large Size

Before 1928, U.S. paper money was printed in a larger format—hence the term “large-sized”. These are now highly collectible due to their age, scarcity, and elaborate designs.

Key Series to Watch:

  • 1862: First-ever $2 Legal Tender Note—historically significant.
  • 1890 “Treasury Note”: Known for ornate designs and very high collector demand.
  • 1917: Last $2 Legal Tender Note with large red seals and dramatic vignettes.
  • 1918: $2 Federal Reserve Bank Note—features a famous battleship vignette on the reverse.

What’s the value of a $2 bill?

  • Ranges from $500 in worn condition to $10,000+ for well-preserved or rare varieties.

Large-size ones are instantly recognizable—they measure about 7.375 x 3.125 inches, much larger than today’s bills.

Small-Size $2 Bills (1928–Present)

$2 bill 1928 Series (Red Seal Legal Tender Notes)

In 1928, the U.S. adopted the current small-size format to standardize currency. Since then, several key series have emerged:

  • 1928 Series (Red Seal Legal Tender Notes): Highly collectible.
  • 1953 & 1963 Series (Red Seal Legal Tender Notes): More common, but uncirculated examples command premiums.
  • 1976 Series (Federal Reserve Notes, Green Seal): Issued for the Bicentennial, still found in circulation today.
  • 1995, 2003, 2009, 2013, 2017 Series: Modern specimens—low collector value unless crisp uncirculated or with special serials.

What is the value of a 2 dollar bill?

  • 1928–1963: $5–$100+ (circulated), $100–$500+ (uncirculated).

1976–present: Face value unless in pristine condition or rare red seal 2 dollar bill value.

Star Notes (Replacement Bills)

Series 1976 $2 Federal Reserve Star Note

They are produced to replace damaged or misprinted notes and are much rarer than standard issues. They are identified by a star symbol (*) at the end of the serial number.

Most Valuable Star Notes:

  • 1928 star notes → extremely rare; can exceed $5,000 in top grades.
  • 1953 star notes → desirable; value ranges from $50–$1,000+.
  • 1963 star notes → collectible; value ranges from $50–$500+.

Rare $2 bill value identification: Always check for a star after the serial number—even modern $2 star notes can bring big premiums compared to regular issues.

Most Valuable $2 Bills (2024 Prices)

Year/SeriesType / FeatureApproximate Value (Typical Range)
1862Large-Size Legal Tender $1,000 – $10,000+
1890Large-Size Treasury (“Ornate Back”)$2,000 – $15,000+
1918Large-Size Federal Reserve Bank (“Battleship Note”)$1,500 – $12,000+
1928 StarSmall-Size Red Seal Star $1,000 – $5,000+
1928Small-Size Red Seal Legal Tender $100 – $2,500+
1953 StarSmall-Size Red Seal Star $50 – $1,000+
1953Small-Size Red Seal Legal Tender $10 – $300+
1963 StarSmall-Size Red Seal Star $50 – $500+
1963Small-Size Red Seal Legal Tender $5 – $200+
1976 StarSmall-Size Federal Reserve Star $20 – $300+

How to Identify Rare Specimens

Not every note has a 24k gold 2 dollar bill value—but many are hiding in plain sight. Here’s how to spot the ones worth far more than face value.

But first, if you want to identify coins, you may try a Coin ID Scanner app. It’s like a $2 dollar bill serial number value lookup but for coins. You only need to take a photo of your piece and upload it in the app, and it will tell you everything about it!

Check the Series Year & Seal Color

  • Red Seals (1928–1963):

→ More collectible and often valuable.
→ Look for a red Treasury seal at the right of the face.

  • Green Seals (1976–present):

→ Usually worth face value, unless combined with rare features (star notes, fancy serials, errors, etc.).

3 pieces of $2 bills with green seals (2013)

Look for Star Notes

Your next step in the 2 dollar bill value lookup is as follows. If there’s a star symbol (*) after the serial number, the note is a replacement one—these are scarcer and far more collectible.

Star notes exist across all series, but 1928, 1953, and 1963 star notes are especially valuable.

Example: A 1953 Star Note in uncirculated condition can bring $1,000+.

Find Misprints & Errors

Mint errors can transform an ordinary note into a desirable collectible with a high US 2 dollar bill value:

  • Ink smears → Excess or missing ink.
  • Mismatched serial numbers → Left and right serials don’t match.
  • Missing prints → Blank areas or missing seals/serial numbers.
  • Fold-over errors → Part of the print is misaligned due to folding during printing.

Grading Condition Matters

As always with collectible currency, condition drives the value of 2 dollar bill:

ConditionAppearanceValue Impact
Uncirculated (UNC)Crisp, no folds or handling marksHighest premiums
About Uncirculated (AU)Nearly UNC, light handlingHigh value
Extremely Fine (EF/XF)Minor folds, sharp paperGood value
Circulated (VF and below)Worn, creased, soft paperLower value, unless very rare

Tip: Professional grading (PCGS Currency or PMG) can check 2 dollar bill value and maximize sale prices for rare or uncirculated notes.

FAQs

  • $2 bill value by serial number year: Older ones (especially pre-1963 Red Seals or pre-1928 Large-Size notes) are rarer and more valuable.
  • Star notes: Those with a star at the end of the serial number indicate a replacement note, often printed in small numbers—highly collectible.
  • Printing errors: Misprints like missing serial numbers, mismatched seals, or fold-over errors can make any numismatic piece valuable.
  • Fancy serial numbers: Notes with low serials, radar numbers (like 12344321), or solid repeats (77777777) fetch big premiums. Check the value of $2 bill by serial number always!
  • Uncirculated condition: Crisp, never-folded ones are worth far more than circulated examples.

2017 $2 bill with radar serial number

Most of them are worth face value ($2). However, there are exceptions:

  • Star notes from this series are collectible and can be worth $20–$300+, depending on condition.
  • Notes with low serial numbers (under 00001000), radar numbers, or solid numbers can bring premium prices. Try to use a $2 dollar bill serial number lookup value checker. 
  • Uncirculated, well-centered 1976 notes (graded by PMG or PCGS) also command higher values—often $10–$50 for pristine examples.

Don’t expect to get rich off a regular money list, but use a $2 bill value checker.

It depends on whether you mean Large-Size or Small-Size notes:

Large-Size Rarities:

  • 1890 Treasury Note $2 “Ornate Back” — rare in any condition. Top examples can fetch $10,000+.
  • 1918 Federal Reserve Bank Note “Battleship Note” — iconic reverse design; values range $1,500–$12,000+.

Small-Size Rarities:

  • 1928 Red Seal Star — extremely scarce and highly desirable; top grades sell for $5,000+.
  • Early 1953 and 1963 Star Notes can also command $500–$1,000+ depending on condition.

That depends! Here’s a quick guide:

  • Modern (1976 or newer), circulated: OK to spend—most have no special collector value. But it’s better to use a 2 dollar bill value checker first. 
  • 1976 or newer ones with a Star Note: Keep or sell; check collector value first.
  • Pre-1963 (Red Seal): DO NOT spend! These often trade for $5–$100+, even in circulated condition.
  • Pre-1928 Large-Size: Rare and valuable—definitely not for spending.

If you’re unsure, consult a collector, local coin dealer, or grading service before using old $2 bills at face value—you could accidentally give away something worth hundreds (or thousands) of dollars.

2 Bill Value