Does the $2 bill seem like an oddball currency, seemingly rare in your everyday transactions and possibly a nuisance of a note you’d prefer to pass on to someone else? There may be some hidden benefits to keeping it.

There are several 2-dollar bills worth money, and the one you carry folded into the crease of your wallet might just be worth more than its face value, with others worth $4,500 or more.

The denomination may seem rare, but 1.7 billion were in circulation at the end of 2024. And some older versions of the bills printed in the 19th century, along with those in excellent condition, uncirculated, or with errors or unusual serial numbers, can be worth thousands of dollars — even if they may be a bit harder to find than the ones in your wallet.

To help you determine whether you have one, here’s a closer look at 2-dollar bills worth money.

Top 2-Dollar Bills Worth Money

The 2-dollar bills worth money are typically older, especially those printed between 1862 and 1890. Other valuable bills are from the early 20th century and more recent years, with ascending or descending serial numbers. Some have the same digits or low numbers, and some have serial numbers with a star instead of a letter. Here are five $2 bills worth money.

1. 1976 $2 Bill With a Serial Number of “1”

Although most of the $2 bills printed in 1976 are only worth their face value, those with rare or interesting serial numbers could be valued at $20,000 or more, especially if they are in perfect, uncirculated condition. For example, one featuring a serial number of L000000001A sold at auction for $21,150 in 2016.

2.  1928 Series Lettered A Through G, Red Seal

This 1928 series features a red seal and represents a smaller version of the $2 bill than previous iterations that showcased a green seal. While value varies depending on the grade of the note, one of the rarest versions, 1928-B, is valued up to $20,000 in its uncirculated form.

3. 1890 Treasury Note

The 1890 Treasury Note features the bust of Gen. James Birdseye McPherson, a Union general shot and killed in 1864 during the Civil War. The note, which became currency under the Legal Tender Act of July 14, 1890, has a red seal and says, “The United States will pay the bearer two dollars in coin.” According to US Currency Auctions, the uncirculated note with a red or brown seal can be worth $4,500 or more.

4. 1869 United States Note

The 1869 $2 note garners its collectible value from its place in history. The image of Thomas Jefferson, who was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, the third U.S. president and champion of the Louisiana Purchase, appeared on the two-dollar bill, leading to the note picking up the nickname “Tom.” A portrait of Alexander Hamilton appeared on the $2 bill before the switch to Jefferson in 1869. An uncirculated Tom with a red seal can fetch $3,800 or more, according to US Currency Auctions.

5. 1880 United States Note

You have to follow the details of your money to understand the value of the 1880 $2 bill. While the bust of Thomas Jefferson sits steadfastly on the left of the currency’s obverse, several names, color seals and serial numbers appear on the 1880 two-dollar bill. The rarest and most valuable bills feature a brown seal and blue serial numbers and carry the signatures of William Starke Rosencrans, register of the treasury, and James Nelson Huston, treasurer. US Currency Auctions shows such an uncirculated bill valued at $3,500 or more.

How to Check if Your $2 Are Worth More Than Face Value

You might be among the many people who thought $2 bills to be rare, out of circulation or simply odd, and you’ve been holding onto one for some time. If so, it’s time to bring your two-dollar bill out of hiding and find out whether it might be worth more than just twice as much as a single.

Here’s what to check for:

• A $2 bill from the 19th century or early 20th century
• An uncirculated bill or one in mint or excellent condition
• Printing errors, such as words or numbers upside-down or overprinted
• Low serial numbers or rare patterns, such as “1” or a repeating number
• A star in the serial number instead of a letter
• A Federal Reserve premium $2 bill set from 1995 or 2003

Most $2 bills are worth $2. Despite what many Americans believe, the government continues to print the note, only stopping in 1966 before bringing it back 10 years later for the Bicentennial. While not terribly rare, some $2 notes can be worth a lot of money.

Discover Whether Your $2 Bill is Worth More Than Two Dollars

The $2 bill appears so infrequently in daily transactions that a lot of people believe it’s out of circulation or rare. While new notes might not get printed every year, the denomination hasn’t been retired, and most $2 bills are worth two bucks.

Still, you can find 2-dollar bills worth money, some fetching thousands of dollars. Bills from the 1800s and early 1900s can be especially valuable, as well as more modern notes with errors or unusual serial numbers or as part of premium sets. Consider uncovering your $2 bill to discover if it might be worth more than $2.

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