The two-dollar bill, often called the “Tom” by collectors, holds a unique place in U.S. currency history. While still in circulation, it’s less commonly encountered than other denominations, leading many to wonder about its potential value. Are you curious about the worth of a two-dollar bill you’ve found? This guide provides a detailed overview of factors influencing its value, helping you determine just how much your two-dollar bill is worth.
Factors Influencing the Value of a Two Dollar Bill
Several elements contribute to the value of a two-dollar bill, ranging from its series year and type to its condition and any unique features. Here’s a breakdown of the key factors:
- Series Year: The year printed on the bill indicates when it was issued. Older bills, especially those from the 19th century, are generally rarer and more valuable.
- Type: Different types of two-dollar bills have been issued throughout history, including United States Notes, Silver Certificates, Treasury Notes, and Federal Reserve Notes. Each type has its own rarity and value.
- Seal Color: The color of the seal on the bill can indicate its type and period of issue. Red and brown seals are often found on older bills, while green seals are typical of modern Federal Reserve Notes.
- Condition: The condition of the bill significantly impacts its value. Bills are graded on a scale from Poor to Uncirculated, with higher grades commanding premium prices.
- Rarity: Certain series years, types, or seal colors are simply rarer than others, making them more desirable to collectors.
- Star Notes: Bills with a star symbol (*) in the serial number indicate that they were replacements for damaged or misprinted notes. Star notes can be more valuable, especially if they are from rarer series.
- Serial Number: Unusual or “fancy” serial numbers (e.g., those with repeating digits or sequential patterns) can increase a bill’s value.
- Errors: Misprints or other errors can make a bill highly valuable to collectors specializing in error notes.
Two Dollar Bill Value Chart
The following table provides a general guide to the values of various two-dollar bills. Please note that these are estimated values based on average prices realized from recent auctions and retail sales. Actual values may vary depending on the specific factors mentioned above.
| Series | Type | Seal | Circulated (F-XF) | Uncirculated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1862 | United States Note | Red | $500 – $1000 | $2800+ |
| 1869 | United States Note | Red | $500 – $1200 | $3800+ |
| 1874 | United States Note | Red | $400 – $1000 | $2400+ |
| 1875 | United States Note | Red | $300 – $650 | $1100+ |
| 1875A | United States Note | Red | $300 – $650 | $1100+ |
| 1875B | United States Note | Red | $375 – $1100 | $2300+ |
| 1878 | United States Note | Red | $275 – $475 | $1100+ |
| 1880 | United States Note | Brown/Red | $125 – $350 | $550+ |
| 1880 | United States Note | Brown/Blue | $600 – $2200 | $3500+ |
| 1880 | United States Note | Red/Blue | $175 – $350 | $500+ |
| 1886 | Silver Certificate | Red | $350 – $900 | $1300+ |
| 1886 | Silver Certificate | Brown | $350 – $900 | $1400+ |
| 1890 | Treasury Note | Red | $550 – $2500 | $4500+ |
| 1890 | Treasury Note | Brown | $550 – $2500 | $4500+ |
| 1891 | Treasury Note | Red | $200 – $750 | $1400+ |
| 1891 | Silver Certificate | Red | $250 – $900 | $2000+ |
| 1896 | Silver Certificate | Red | $300 – $1100 | $2100+ |
| 1899 | Silver Certificate | Blue | $75 – $225 | $475+ |
| 1917 | United States Note | Red | $50 – $100 | $200+ |
| 1918 | National Currency | Blue | $175 – $375 | $1000+ |
| 1928 | United States Note | Red | $7 – $20 | $75+ |
| 1928A | United States Note | Red | $50 – $80 | $275+ |
| 1928B | United States Note | Red | $70 – $175 | $1000+ |
| 1928C | United States Note | Red | $10 – $20 | $90 |
| 1928D | United States Note | Red | $5 – $12 | $45 |
| 1928E | United States Note | Red | $10 – $25 | $85 |
| 1928F | United States Note | Red | $4 – $15 | $35 |
| 1928G | United States Note | Red | $5 – $10 | $25.50 |
| 1953 | United States Note | Red | $2.25 – $2.50 | $12.75 |
| 1953A | United States Note | Red | $2.25 – $5.00 | $12.75 |
| 1953B | United States Note | Red | $2.75 – $5.50 | $12.75 |
| 1953C | United States Note | Red | $3.50 – $6.50 | $12.50 |
| 1963 | United States Note | Red | $6 | $20.50 |
| 1963A | United States Note | Red | $5 | $18.50 |
| 1976 | Federal Reserve Note | Green | $2.50 | $4.50 |
| 1995 | Federal Reserve Note | Green | $2.25 | $3.25 |
Special 1995 Series
-
1995* BEP Millennium Folder: These are limited-edition star note sets with only 9,999 printed for each district. Each note starts with the serial number 2000 and ranges from 20000001* to 20009999*, in its own green Millennium Note folder. Value: around $42.50.
-
1995* BEP Premium Set of 12: These are limited-edition sets of all 12 district notes in green BEP folders with all notes bearing the same serial number and ending with a star. Value: $500+.
| Series | Type | Seal | Circulated (F-XF) | Uncirculated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Federal Reserve Note | Green | $2.25 | $3.00 |
Special 2003 Series
- 2003* BEP Premium Set of 12: These are limited-edition sets of all 12 district notes in green BEP folders, with all notes bearing the same serial number and ending with a star. Only 2000 sets were issued. Value: $900+.
| Series | Type | Seal | Circulated (F-XF) | Uncirculated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003A | Federal Reserve Note | Green | $2.25 | $3.00 |
| 2009 | Federal Reserve Note | Green | $2.15 | $2.30 |
| 2013 | Federal Reserve Note | Green | $2.10 | $2.25 |
| 2017 | Federal Reserve Note | Green | $2.00 | $2.10 |
| 2017A | Federal Reserve Note | Green | $2.00 | $2.00 |
Disclaimer: The prices listed are based on average prices. The price a seller receives or a buyer pays could be substantially more or less. Recent sales, supply and demand, serial number, certain series year district blocks, star or non-star notes, overall condition or grade, and rarity are important to the overall valuation of any note. We do not guarantee the prices provided are current.
Grading and Condition
The condition of your two-dollar bill plays a crucial role in determining its value. Here’s a brief overview of the grading scale used by collectors:
- Poor (P): Heavily worn, damaged, or defaced.
- Fair (FR): Significant wear and tear, but the design is still discernible.
- About Good (AG): Considerable wear, with some details worn away.
- Good (G): Noticeable wear, but most details are visible.
- Very Good (VG): Moderate wear, with clear details.
- Fine (F): Light wear, with crisp details.
- Very Fine (VF): Minimal wear, with sharp details.
- Extremely Fine (XF or EF): Very slight wear, with almost all details intact.
- About Uncirculated (AU): Almost perfect condition, with only slight traces of handling.
- Uncirculated (UNC): Perfect, pristine condition, with no signs of wear or handling.
Where to Get Your Two Dollar Bill Appraised
If you have a two-dollar bill that you believe may be valuable, it’s best to consult with a professional appraiser. Here are some options:
- Local Coin and Currency Dealers: Many cities have coin and currency dealers who can appraise your bill.
- Numismatic Associations: Organizations like the American Numismatic Association (ANA) can provide resources for finding qualified appraisers.
- Online Appraisal Services: Several online services offer appraisals based on images and descriptions of your bill. Be sure to choose a reputable service with experienced appraisers.
Conclusion
Determining the value of your two-dollar bill requires careful consideration of several factors, including its series year, type, seal color, condition, and any unique features. While modern two-dollar bills may only be worth face value, older or rarer examples can be quite valuable to collectors. By using this guide and consulting with a professional appraiser, you can gain a better understanding of just how much your two-dollar bill is worth.
