The 1976 $2 bill is a special redesign of the already seldom-seen $2 denomination. It was released specifically to celebrate the United States Bicentennial – the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
These scarce Bicentennial notes remain popular with collectors today. Most are worth more than their $2 face value, and some rare varieties trade for astronomical sums.
In this guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about the 1976 $2 bill, including:
- Key features and how to identify a genuine 1976 $2 bill
- How many 1976 $2 bills were printed and their relative scarcity
- Factors that determine the collectible value, with a price chart
- Which 1976 $2 bills are most valuable and desirable to collectors
- Advice on where to buy and sell 1976 $2 bills
Let‘s dive in to learn all about these distinctive Bicentennial banknotes and how much they‘re worth today.
What Does the 1976 $2 Bill Look Like?
The front of the 1976 $2 bill looks very similar to modern $2 bills. It features a portrait of Founding Father and 3rd U.S. president Thomas Jefferson on the left. The treasury seal and serial numbers are printed in green ink.
The back of the bill is what sets the 1976 series apart. It bears a reproduction of the famous painting Declaration of Independence by John Trumbull. This painting depicts the Committee of Five presenting their draft of the Declaration to the Second Continental Congress.
Prior to the 1976 series, $2 bills featured an engraved vignette of Jefferson‘s Monticello house on the reverse. The Bicentennial redesign replaced this with the Declaration of Independence to honor the historic anniversary.
How Rare Are 1976 $2 Bills?
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing produced just over 400 million Series 1976 $2 bills for the Bicentennial. At the time, this set a record for the most $2 bills printed in a single run.
While 400 million may sound like a lot, the 1976 $2 bill is still quite scarce compared to other modern U.S. currency. For comparison, around 1.5 billion each of $1 and $20 bills are printed every year.
Many people who received 1976 $2 bills saved them as souvenirs and keepsakes rather than spending them. An estimated 75% of the bills never circulated. Along with their limited original run, this has kept 1976 $2 bills relatively uncommon.
Today, most 1976 $2 bills sell for a small premium over face value. Certain rare varieties are worth much more to collectors. Next we‘ll look at the factors that determine the value of a particular 1976 $2 bill.
1976 $2 Bill Value: What Determines the Price?
So what makes one 1976 $2 bill worth more than another? There are several key factors that collectors consider:
Condition/Grade
As with any collectible paper money, the condition significantly impacts the value. Uncirculated bills that remain crisp and flat with no signs of wear routinely sell for 10x the price or more of circulated notes.
Paper money is graded on a 70-point scale, with 70 representing a perfect unopened pack fresh bill. Circulated grades range from About Good (heavily worn) up to Extremely Fine (light signs of use). Anything graded 60 or higher is considered uncirculated.
Serial Numbers
Fancy serial numbers can dramatically boost the collectible value of any currency, including 1976 $2 bills. Collectors covet solid serial numbers (e.g. 11111111), radars/palindromes (e.g. 15611651), ladders (e.g. 12345678), repeaters (e.g. 17171717), and other notable combos.
Low serial numbers (especially under 100) are also very popular. A low serial number indicates one of the first bills off the presses. Star notes, which have a star after the serial number signifying a replacement bill, tend to be more valuable as well.
Errors
Error currency results from mistakes made during the printing process. Legitimate errors are very scarce and highly sought after by collectors.
The most well-known error on 1976 $2 bills is mismatched serial numbers. Normally the two serial numbers printed on each bill will match. Bills where the serial numbers don‘t match can sell for big premiums.
Other possible errors include misaligned or misprinted seals, miscuts, ink smears, etc. The most dramatic and valuable errors on 1976 $2 bills can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Postage Stamps
Since the 1976 $2 bill was released on April 13, 1976 (Thomas Jefferson‘s birthday), some people took them to the post office that day to have them postmarked. Typically these postally-canceled bills will bear a 13-cent stamp and an April 13, 1976 postmark.
The stamp and postmark show definitively that the bill is a first-day-of-issue note and was saved rather than circulated. This adds a small premium to the value. An exotic stamp or postmark (from a small town post office, etc.) can increase the collectible appeal.
1976 $2 Bill Value Chart
With those key factors in mind, here is a general pricing chart for 1976 $2 bills. Specific rare varieties and errors can be worth considerably more. These are average price ranges for standard notes:
| Condition | Serial Number | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Circulated | Any | $2 – $5 |
| Circulated | Fancy/Low | $5 – $20 |
| Uncirculated (60-70) | Any | $15 – $25 |
| Uncirculated | Fancy/Low | $25 – $250+ |
| Postmarked | Any | $5 – $15 |
Again, these are ballpark estimates for regular issues. The most valuable 1976 $2 bills can sell for astronomical sums. Next we‘ll highlight a few of the top items that collectors drool over.
Most Valuable 1976 $2 Bills
Here are some of the most coveted varieties of 1976 $2 bills, along with their estimated values:
1976 $2 Uncirculated Star Note – $100 – $5,000+
Uncirculated 1976 $2 bills with a star in the serial number are quite rare and desirable. Notes from scarcer Federal Reserve districts like Minneapolis and Kansas City command the highest prices.
1976 $2 Solid Serial Number – $500 – $5,000+
An uncirculated 1976 $2 bill with an all-one-digit or other solid serial number is a major prize for collectors of fancy serial numbers. Circulated examples are still worth $100 or more.
1976 $2 Radar Serial Number – $250 – $1,000+
Serial numbers that read the same forward and backward, like a radar detector, are also very popular. Gem uncirculated 1976 $2 radars can bring four figures.
1976 $2 Ladder Serial Number – $100 – $500+
Ladder serial numbers feature digits in sequence, either ascending or descending. Uncirculated 1976 $2 bills with low ladder serials are especially valuable.
1976 $2 Mismatched Serial Number – $5,000 – $10,000+
An extremely rare error occurs when the two serial numbers printed on a bill don‘t match each other. This is exceedingly scarce on 1976 $2 bills, so collectors will pay handsomely for the opportunity to own one.
Where to Buy or Sell 1976 $2 Bills
If you‘re looking to add a 1976 $2 bill to your collection, or sell one that you already own, there are a few good options to consider:
Coin and Money Shows
Attending a coin show or paper money expo in your area will allow you to see 1976 $2 bills in person and compare multiple examples. Dealing face-to-face also lets you negotiate prices.
Local Coin Shops
Many local coin and bullion dealers also buy and sell paper money. Call around or check the shops in your town to see if they have any 1976 $2 bills in stock or would be interesting in purchasing yours.
Online Marketplaces
Websites like eBay, Etsy, and Amazon have large selections of 1976 $2 bills for sale. You can also list yours on these sites to get offers from interested buyers. Be sure to deal with reputable sellers with good feedback ratings.
Auction Houses
For the rarest and most valuable 1976 $2 bills, a specialty currency auction house may be your best bet to maximize the price. Auctioneers authenticate the notes and match them with serious collectors. Expect to pay a seller‘s premium on top of the hammer price.
Whichever route you choose, it‘s wise to educate yourself on the key attributes of 1976 $2 bills and what they‘re worth before making a deal. Prices can vary widely between venues.
In general, common circulated 1976 $2 notes only sell for around their $2 face value. Crisp uncirculated examples are worth $15 to $25 each.
The most desirable varieties with special serial numbers, errors, and other unique features can bring anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars in the right market.
If you come across a 1976 $2 bill, be sure to check it closely or have an expert take a look. It just might turn out to be a valuable find!
