Do you have a $2 bill tucked away in your drawer or wallet for good luck? Well, you might want to give it a second look because it could be worth more than you think. U.S. Currency Auctions estimates that uncirculated $2 bills from the late 1800s could sell for at least $4,500. Even bills from nearly every year between 1862 and 1917 could fetch a minimum of $1,000. Collectors are willing to pay these impressive prices based on factors such as printing method and location.

But it’s not just the older bills that have value. Even newer $2 bills can hold significant worth. In 2022, a $2 bill printed in 2003 was sold at an auction for a whopping $2,400. This particular bill had an incredibly low serial number for the 2003 series and was sold through Heritage Auctions, the world’s largest numismatic auction house. And get this – it was later resold for a staggering $4,000.

Is the $2 bill really that rare?

You might be wondering, with so many $2 bills out there, how rare are they really? According to the Federal Reserve, there were 1.5 billion $2 bills in circulation in 2022. While this may sound like a large number, it’s actually quite a small fraction compared to the $54.1 billion of currency circulated that year. So, even though they may not be as common as other denominations, $2 bills are still fairly scarce.

Getting to Know the $2 Bill

Now, let’s take a closer look at this unique piece of currency. The front of the current version of the $2 bill features the face of Thomas Jefferson, who was not only the third President of the United States but also the primary author of the Declaration of Independence. On the back of the bill, you’ll find a captivating portrait of the historic event – the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Interestingly, the $2 bill has had a bit of a rocky reputation throughout its history. It’s been associated with superstitions and even illegal activities like voter bribery. In an attempt to change its image, the U.S. Treasury tried to popularize the $2 bill in the early 20th century, but their efforts fell flat. Consequently, the government temporarily ceased issuing new twos. However, the bill made a comeback in 1976 as the United States approached its bicentennial celebration. Since then, it has remained in circulation and continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike.

So, if you’ve got a $2 bill tucked away somewhere, don’t dismiss it as mere pocket change. It could be a valuable gem that’s worth more than its face value. Who knows, you might have a rare piece of history in your possession. Take a closer look, and you may be pleasantly surprised!