Many people think all $2 bills are rare, but that’s untrue. While these bills are less common than other denominations, most are still only worth $2. However, some specific $2 bills are highly valuable due to their serial numbers, printing errors, or unique features.
Collectors always search for certain serial numbers that make a $2 bill special. If you have one, it could be worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars!
Why Are Some $2 Bills More Valuable Than Others?
The value of a $2 bill depends on a few key factors. Some bills are rare simply because fewer of them were printed, while others gain value due to printing mistakes, unique serial numbers, or special seals.
Here are the main reasons why certain $2 bills are worth more than others:
- Low Serial Numbers – Bills with numbers like 00000001, 00000050, or 00000100 are highly collectible.
- Printing Errors – Mistakes such as double serial numbers, misaligned seals, or ink smears make a bill unique and increase its value.
- Star Notes (★) – If your bill has a star symbol (★) in the serial number, it means it was printed as a replacement for a damaged note, making it rarer than regular bills.
- Older Bills – Older $2 bills, especially those from before 1950, were printed in smaller quantities, making them harder to find today.
- Ladder Serial Numbers – If your bill’s serial number follows a pattern like 12345678 or 87654321, it is much rarer and can be worth a lot more.
Now that you know what makes a $2 bill valuable, let’s look at seven specific $2 bills that are worth much more than face value.
1928B Red Seal Star Note
The 1928B $2 bill has a red seal instead of the usual green one. Some of these notes also have a star symbol (★) in the serial number, meaning they were replacement bills for defective ones.
Since fewer of these were printed, they are much rarer than normal $2 bills and are in high demand among collectors.
- What to Look For: A red seal and a star (★) in the serial number
- Value:
- Used condition: $100 – $300
- Like-new condition: $700 – $1,000
If you find one in good shape, it could be worth much more than face value.
1869 Rainbow Note
The 1869 $2 bill, also called the Rainbow Note, is one of the most beautiful U.S. bills ever printed. It has a mix of red, blue, yellow, and green ink, giving it a unique look.
These notes are highly collectable because they were made over 150 years ago and are no longer in circulation.
- What to Look For: A multi-coloured design and a red Treasury Seal
- Value:
- Worn bill: $500 – $1,000
- Excellent condition: $1,500 – $2,500
Collectors love these notes because of their age and design.
1890 Treasury Note
The 1890 $2 bill has a large brown Treasury Seal, making it different from other U.S. notes. These were backed by silver, meaning the government promised to exchange them for silver coins upon request.
These notes are very hard to find today, especially in good condition.
- What to Look For: A large brown seal on the front
- Value:
- Used condition: $1,000 – $3,000
- Excellent condition: $4,000 – $4,500
If you own an 1890 $2 bill, it could be a great investment.
1976 $2 Bill with a Low Serial Number
In 1976, the U.S. reintroduced the $2 bill to celebrate the country’s 200th anniversary. While most are still worth only $2, those with very low serial numbers are much more valuable.
Bills with serial numbers starting with multiple zeros (e.g., 00000001, 00000002) are extremely rare. Collectors will pay big money for them.
- What to Look For: A 1976 $2 bill with serial numbers like 00000001 or 00000050
- Value:
- Serial numbers 00000001 – 00000010: $10,000 – $20,000
- Serial numbers 00000011 – 00000999: $500 – $5,000
If you have one of these, hold onto it!
1976 $2 Bill with a Printing Error
Some 1976 $2 bills have a printing mistake where the serial number appears twice or is misaligned. These errors are very rare because most mistakes are caught before the bills are released.
Finding a $2 bill with double serial numbers could be worth much more than $2.
- What to Look For: A serial number that appears twice or looks printed incorrectly
- Value:
- Used condition: $500 – $800
- Like-new condition: $1,000 – $1,500
Always check for printing mistakes—they can make a huge difference in a bill’s value!
1976 $2 Bill with a Ladder Serial Number
A ladder serial number is when the digits appear in ascending order (12345678) or descending order (87654321). These bills are extremely rare because only a small number are printed with these patterns.
Collectors love ladder serial numbers because they look unique and are difficult to find.
- What to Look For: A serial number like 12345678 or 87654321
- Value:
- Perfect ladder: Up to $5,000
- Partial ladder (e.g., 00123456): $500 – $1,500
If you have a $2 bill with a ladder serial number, it’s definitely worth keeping!
1976 $2 Bill with a Star Serial Number
Just like the 1928B Star Note, some 1976 $2 bills have a star (★) in the serial number. These were issued to replace damaged bills and were printed in smaller quantities, making them more valuable.
- What to Look For: A star (★) in the serial number
- Value:
- Used condition: $100 – $300
- Like-new condition: $400 – $500
Collectors always look for star notes, especially with low serial numbers.
Now that you know what to look for, check your old $2 bills! A simple serial number or error could make your bill worth a fortune. If you find a rare one, consider having it graded and stored properly to keep its value high.
Who knows? That old $2 bill in your wallet might be worth way more than you think!