The $2 bill is an often overlooked denomination of United States currency. Though the $2 bill remains legal tender, many people wonder if they will become valuable collector’s items in the future. There are several factors that contribute to whether the $2 bill will appreciate in value over time.
Current Circulation of $2 Bills
The $2 bill makes up a very small percentage of paper currency in circulation today. As of 2022, there were around 1.2 billion $2 bills in circulation. In comparison, there were over 11 billion $1 bills in circulation. The relative scarcity of $2 bills leads some people to hold onto them, reducing the number in active circulation even further.
Discontinued $2 Bills
While the $2 bill remains in production today, previous versions are no longer printed. For example, the United States Note was a $2 bill printed from 1862 to 1966. These older $2 bills often have more value to collectors and dealers. Some specific rare dates or printing errors also command higher prices.
Most Valuable Discontinued $2 Bills
| Bill Type | Years Printed | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 1928 Red Seal $2 Bill | 1928 | $4 – $75+ |
| 1953 Red Seal $2 Bill | 1953 | $2 – $5+ |
| 1963 Red Seal $2 Bill | 1963 | $2 – $5+ |
Collector Interest
There is a niche market of collectors interested in $2 bills. This includes casual collectors putting together albums of bills in nice condition, as well as more serious speculators hoping to invest in rare pieces. If demand continues from collectors, the value of both old and new $2 bills could rise. However, collector interest alone may not be enough to drive up prices significantly.
Potential Discontinuation
One event that could increase values of $2 bills overnight would be if the U.S. government discontinued printing of the denomination. There is no indication this will occur anytime soon, as the $2 bill remains in active production. However, if minting did cease, it would immediately create a finite supply. With no new $2 bills entering circulation, remaining bills could appreciate in value due to increased scarcity.
Factors Working Against $2 Bill Values Increasing
While there are some scenarios where $2 bills could gain numismatic value, there are also several challenges facing widespread growth in prices:
- Inflation steadily reduces purchasing power of the $2 denomination.
- Lack of public awareness or interest limits collector appeal.
- Large existing supply will take time to shrink through loss and damage.
- No functional need for the denomination – $1, $5, $10, $20 more convenient.
Examples of Current $2 Bill Values
For those wondering what their $2 bills may currently be worth, here are some typical values:
| Bill Condition | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Crisp, new $2 bill | $2 |
| Average circulated $2 bill | $2 |
| Older (pre-1980s) bill in worn condition | $2 – $5 |
| Errors like miscut bills | $10 – $50+ |
Should You Save Your $2 Bills?
The majority of $2 bills in circulation have a nominal value and are only worth $2. However, there are certain circumstances where they may be worth saving:
- Bills printed before the 1980s are scarcer
- Misprinted or uncirculated bills
- Fancy serial numbers like solid 1s, 2s, etc.
- As a novelty item for your collection
For the average $2 bill there is no urgent need to set aside for the future. But bills with unique attributes do have some collecting appeal.
The Bottom Line
While no major surge in demand is expected soon, $2 bills remain an interesting piece of U.S. currency. Small subsets of collectors and dealers will likely continue to put some light upward pressure on values. And if minting ever stopped, prices would react swiftly. For now, most can feel comfortable spending their $2 bills, but should also keep an eye out for any that seem special or old.
