Fortune hides anywhere, did you know that? What you probably did not know is that a bill that is not just any bill could be sitting in your pants pocket, and this 2-dollar bill could be worth up to $20,000 if you know where to sell it. And all because its history has turned it into a treasure for collectors. The best part is that if you have one saved, you might be holding a fortune. Specifically, the bills that have a bright red ink from the United States Department of Treasury. We explain below why certain pieces are so coveted, how to identify if you have one in your hands, and what to do with it.
The fascinating origin of the 2-dollar bill
The 2-dollar bill was born in 1862, but it had no real impact when it reached people’s pockets. It did not change the economy and, curiously, it even came to be considered bad luck. It was not until 1928 that its size was reduced to the current dimensions, and since then, its production has been limited, increasing its mystique and rarity among the public, reaching the present day, where many stores do not accept them, considering these bills as “fake” or “cursed.”
What makes a 2-dollar bill special
One of the biggest attractions of this bill is its red seal. These bills were issued during 1928, with the red seal located on the left side (later, starting in 1953, it would be moved to the right side of the bill).
This design was created by Charles Bert, and on its front side appears the portrait of Thomas Jefferson, while the back illustrates the Monticello mansion, engraved by Joachim C. Benzing.
The rarity of the serial number
Since 1910, some bills include a star at the end of the serial number. These are called star notes, and they are even more coveted, as they were printed as replacements for errors, and the number that circulated was much smaller.
The bills issued since 1928 have the following serial numbers:
- Those with a red seal are: 1928-G, 1953-G, and 1963-A.
- With green seal: 1976, 1995, 2003-A, 2009, and 2013.
How much could your bill be worth
It will all depend on the age, the design, and how well the bill is preserved. Those old bills that are in perfect condition can go up for auction and be worth up to $20,000. If not, the price decreases depending on what the bidders consider, but just for having the star and being from 1928, your bill could be worth $1,500.
How many 2-dollar bills are in circulation
According to data from the U.S. Currency Education Program, in 2017 there were approximately 1.2 billion 2-dollar bills in circulation. This figure increased to 1.5 billion in 2022, showing that although they are still uncommon, they are far from being impossible pieces to find.
What to do if you have a 2-dollar bill
If you find a 2-dollar bill in your wallet, do not discard it. First, check if it has a red seal or a star in its serial number. Then, investigate the year of issue and its state of conservation.
If you want to sell it, first visit a numismatics expert, and do not settle for just the first opinion. Remember there are many people behind this treasure, and not everyone has good intentions, they could scam you. Go to a numismatics expert or participate in specialized auctions, but carefully. Remember that you have a treasure in your hands. Let us know if you find one of this bills! Maybe we are in front of a new millionaire!