At one time, superstitious folks thought the $2 bill was “unlucky” and carried a curse.
However, the deuce won’t bring bad luck to its owner; instead, it might just bring good fortune along with some extra cash.
Continue reading to find out how to figure out the worth of your $2 bill!
Often seen as the neglected sibling of the $1 bill, many Americans have looked down on the $2 note. Some even believe that these bills are rare or no longer printed.
But in 2023, the Federal Reserve stated there were 1.6 billion fresh $2 bills in circulation—a small number compared to 14.5 billion $1 bills and 11.2 billion $20 bills.
The banknote has become a bit more popular over the last two decades; back in 2004, only 0.07 billion were in circulation—a tiny piece of that year’s total currency of $24.2 billion.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) says that “for most of their history, people didn’t like using $2 notes because they were seen as unlucky or just awkward for transactions.”
Many notes ended up “returned to Treasury with corners ripped off,” making them damaged currency and not suitable for reissue,” according to BEP about those who believed tearing them could lift a curse.
In addition, The New York Times mentioned in a 1925 article that “Anyone playing games with a two-dollar bill is thought to be cursed.”
This banknote even stars in a documentary called The Two Dollar Bill, released in 2015 which looks at everything from its past to various superstitions linked with it.
Even though they aren’t very popular still today, don’t underestimate them—they’re worth at least two dollars!
Some special ones can be valued at thousands.
History
In 1862 was when the first official $2 note was printed featuring Alexander Hamilton—the U.S.’s first Secretary of Treasury—on its front.
Then came redesigning it in 1869 showing Thomas Jefferson’s portrait—the third president—which remains unchanged now.
On one side was Monticello—Jefferson’s home—but later changed into an image showing signing Declaration Independence—the famous document written by Jefferson himself.
Fetching a fortune
While everyone knows about Jefferson on this note—it has had several changes on its back too along with some adjustments on front like photo size and colors added.
And some may actually be worth way more than you think!
To check your bill’s value look closely at year & seal color! Fresh uncirculated notes from between years like red brown blue seals from18621996 can go for around$5k! If yours looks used but not too bad then those same years could still get you up$1100!
There are also paper notes having red blue seals made between19171928 which might range anywhere from$50to$100 depending condition!
Auction sites say collectors pay based on printing methods & locations too!
Also if you happen upon any fancy serial numbers then congrats! Those rare finds could make your two bucks worth up-to six thousand dollars!
Do you own any rare two-dollar bills? Let us know what you think about this article & share it with friends!
