At one time, superstitious folks believed the $2 bill was “unlucky” and even cursed. But rather than bringing bad luck, this bill could actually bring a stroke of good fortune—and potentially a few thousand dollars to boot!
Keep reading to discover how you can determine the value of your $2 bill. Often dismissed as the underappreciated sibling of the $1 bill, the $2 note has long been overlooked by many Americans. Some even think it’s rare, no longer printed, or out of circulation altogether.
However, as of 2023, the Federal Reserve reports there are 1.6 billion $2 bills in circulation—while that might sound like a lot, it’s small compared to the 14.5 billion $1 bills or the 11.2 billion $20 bills. This note has slowly gained recognition over the past 20 years. In 2004, there were only 0.07 billion $2 bills circulating—a small portion of the $24.2 billion in currency that year.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) explains that for much of their history, $2 notes have been unpopular, seen as unlucky or awkward to use in transactions. Superstitious individuals would often tear off the corners of $2 bills, returning them to the Treasury as mutilated currency unfit for reissue.
As early as 1925, the New York Times reported that a $2 bill in one’s pocket during a game of chance was thought to bring bad luck, leading people to avoid the bill entirely. The bill even stars in a documentary titled *The Two Dollar Bill*, a 2015 film that explores its history and the superstitions around it.
Despite their rocky past, $2 bills are still in circulation today—and could be worth more than face value. Some $2 notes, depending on their rarity, could fetch up to thousands of dollars.
History
The first official $2 banknote was printed in 1862, featuring Alexander Hamilton on the front. It was redesigned in 1869 to feature Thomas Jefferson, whose portrait remains on the bill to this day. Collectors often look for factors like printing method, location, and even unique serial numbers, which can increase the bill’s value.
If you’re lucky enough to have a rare $2 bill, it could be worth up to $6,000! Let us know what you think of this story, and be sure to share it with friends!