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7 Signs Your $2 Bills Are Worth Way More Than $2

$2 bills aren't as rare as you may think, but they can rake in some cash.

By Meredith Schneider

Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated May 14, 2025

The United States started producing $2 bills in the 1860s, and even though they're still being added into circulation today, they're rarer than other bills.

They're so rare that some are rumored to be worth thousands of dollars, making it a way some people earn extra money.

Here's how to tell if that $2 bill you have burning a hole in your wallet is worth way more.

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Early history of the $2 Bill

In 1862, the first $2 bill was printed with a portrait of Thomas Jefferson on one side. The other side prominently featured John Trumbull's Declaration of Independence painting.

Since then, it's undergone six different redesigns. Here's how to check to see if you have a rare one:

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Check to see which founding father is on it

The $2 bill could have one of two Founding Fathers printed on it: Thomas Jefferson or Alexander Hamilton.

If you happen to have an old Hamilton bill, you have an incredibly rare find that U.S. Currency Auctions (USCA) claims could be worth around $4,500 or more, depending on the condition it is in and if it was uncirculated or not.

Check the reverse side on your Jefferson $2 bill

If you have a Jefferson $2 bill, check the reverse side of his face. If your money was printed before 1976, Jefferson's Virginia estate is printed on the other side.

If that side displays a vignette of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it was probably printed after 1976. This fact could make that one bill worth up to $4,500.

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Scan the bill for a misprint

Though they're incredibly rare, there have been misprints on United States currency, making those bills highly coveted by collectors.

Read the fine print closely to see if there are any grammatical errors, printing mistakes, or incorrect fonts. But look up any mistakes you may think you've identified — just because your bill looks off doesn't mean it is worth any money.

Inspect the color of the seal

A simple detail like the color of the seal could indicate that your $2 bill is worth more than face value.

If your bill has a blue, brown, or red seal and a date of 1862 through 1917, there is a chance it is worth over $1,000.

Note: The rare red seal is actually a misprint of what should have been blue.

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Consider the year it was printed

$2 bills from different eras are worth different amounts of money. If you have a bill printed before 1976, it will most likely be worth more than face value, but maybe only by a few dollars.

Some uncirculated 1995 bills are valued at $500 by the USCA. A mint condition bill from 1862 could nab you anywhere from $500 to over $2,800.

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Check the serial number

If you have a $2 bill that was printed in the year 1976, check the serial number. If your bill is marked with a "1," then it could be worth around $20,000.

Other bills with low serial numbers could be worth several thousand dollars as well.

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Inspect it for a star

The asterisk or star at the end of the serial number makes the bill more valuable, which could help you get ahead financially.

A rare 1953 red star and stamp note was listed for $1,200 on eBay.

Bottom line

As of 2023, there were an estimated 1.6 billion $2 bills in circulation, so these notes are far from extinct, but they are rarer than other bills. If you have one, that doesn't mean it's worth any more than the $2 printed on it. But it's always worth looking into to see if you can make extra money on the side.

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Early history of the $2 Bill

Check to see which founding father is on it

Check the reverse side on your Jefferson $2 bill

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

Quick tips: How to spot a scam

Scan the bill for a misprint

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Inspect the color of the seal

Consider the year it was printed

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Check the serial number

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Inspect it for a star

Bottom line

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

Annual Fee

Rewards Rate

Benefits

Drawbacks

Learn how to make an extra $200

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Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card