As a currency collector and expert, I‘ve watched the market for rare and collectible paper money evolve over the decades. Tastes change, new series are released, and sometimes previously overlooked bills suddenly catch fire with collectors. One denomination that has been heating up? The humble $2 bill, specifically the 1995 series.
The 1995 series of $2 bills is particularly interesting for several reasons. It marked the first redesign of the bill‘s reverse in nearly 20 years, featured several special limited editions, and was the last series of the 20th century. As more collectors clamor for scarce modern currency, 1995 $2 bills have the potential to be a smart and attainable investment.
In this guide, I‘ll share my professional take on the most valuable 1995 $2 bills, highlight some notable varieties and errors, and offer practical tips for collecting them. Whether you‘re a seasoned collector or just starting out, here‘s what you need to know about the often misunderstood 1995 $2 bill.
The History and Rarity of the $2 Bill
First, some important context. The $2 bill has been in circulation since the U.S. federal government began issuing paper currency in 1862. However, it has always played second fiddle (or third, or fourth) to more widely used denominations like the $1, $5, and $10 bills. In fact, the Treasury Department has sometimes gone decades between $2 bill printings due to low demand.
According to data from the Federal Reserve, as of 2021 there were around 1.4 billion $2 bills in circulation globally, which sounds like a lot. But that accounts for just 3% of total bills, meaning only around 1 in every 33 U.S. bills is a $2 note. By comparison, the omnipresent $1 bill has over 13 billion notes in circulation!
Due to this relative scarcity, receiving a $2 bill has always been seen as a novelty. Some people even consider them good luck. But this has also bred myths over the years that $2 bills are somehow rare and discontinued. In reality, they‘re still printed regularly and in much smaller numbers than other Federal Reserve Notes (FRNs). And most circulated $2 bills are worth just that – $2.
But as I always tell collectors, not all bills are created equal. Even among common series, there can be real treasures that make collecting so exciting and rewarding. The 1995 $2 bill series has several varieties that are worth much more than their face value to the right collector. Here‘s a breakdown.
Breaking Down the 1995 $2 Bill Series
The 1995 $2 bill series was issued by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) to replace the Series 1976 $2 bill, which had been in circulation for nearly two decades. The new bills featured the same front portrait of Thomas Jefferson and John Trumbull‘s reverse depiction of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. However, several design changes were made, including:
- Enlarged portraits
- Added watermark
- Revised border design
- Security thread
- Microprinted USA FIVE
- Etc.
What makes certain 1995 $2 bills valuable is not just their design or condition, but their specific printings, serial numbers, and unique characteristics. Based on data from the BEP and major currency auctions, here is a detailed ranking of the most valuable types of 1995 $2 bills:
| Series | Estimated Print Run | Features | Grading | Value Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 $2 FRN (F-A Block) | 153,600,000 | Green Seal | Unc. 63 | $5-$10 |
| 1995 $2 FRN Star Note | 1,280,000 | Green Seal, ★ | Unc. 63 | $50-$100 |
| 1995 $2 FRN Millennium Star Note | 120,000 | Cls. A-L Seals, ★ | Unc. 63 | $150-$300 |
| 1995 $2 FRN Millennium Match Set | 12,000 | 12 Seals, Low★/High★ SN | Unc. 63 | $2,000-$5,000 |
| 1995 $2 FRN Birthday Note | Unknown | B‘day SN (e.g. 07041776★) | CU | $500-$1,000 |
| 1995 $2 FRN Radar Note | Unknown | Palin. SN (e.g. 34188143) | CU | $150-$300 |
| 1995 $2 FRN Error Note | Unknown | Print/Cutting Errors | VF-CU | $500-$2,500 |
*Note: "CU" = Crisp Uncirculated, "Unc." = Uncirculated, "VF" = Very Fine, "SN" = Serial Number
As you can see, a regular 1995 $2 FRN in uncirculated condition is only worth around $5 over its face value. But the special star notes, limited edition Millennium sets, and rare serial number varieties can sell for hundreds or even thousands of dollars in top condition.
For example, in 2019 a complete 1995 $2 FRN Millennium Bicentennial Matching Serial Number Set sold for $2,640. The set contained 24 notes, one each from the 12 Federal Reserve Districts, with matching low (00000001-00000100) and high (99999900-99999999) serial numbers. Each note was graded Choice CU 64 by PCGS Currency.
Another notable sale was a 1995 $2 FRN (Atlanta F-A Block) single note with serial number F00000002★ that sold for $1,140 in 2011. The extremely low 4-digit serial number combined with the star made this otherwise common note very valuable.
But how many of these rare 1995 $2 bill varieties still exist? That‘s a challenging question even for experts, as printing and survival numbers depend on factors like:
- How many replacement (star) notes were printed for each FRN block
- How many uncut sheets were sold to collectors vs cut for circulation
- The ratio of circulated vs uncirculated notes
- How many notes have been lost or damaged beyond recognition
Based on BEP production reports, we know around 154 million 1995 $2 FRNs were printed in total, including the star notes. PCGS Currency estimates around 1% (1.5M) of the total print run has been graded, mostly at the Uncirculated levels. It‘s believed under 5% (7.7M) of the total print run remains in uncirculated condition.
This may sound like a lot, but remember these figures are for all 1995 $2 FRN varieties combined. The special star notes and limited editions had much smaller print runs, and far fewer have likely survived in top condition. This makes high-grade examples of these rare varieties very sought-after by collectors.
How to Grade 1995 $2 Bills Like a Pro
As we‘ve established, a key factor in determining a 1995 $2 bill‘s collector value is its condition or grade. While you can make a rough assessment of a note‘s grade yourself, most serious collectors and dealers rely on third-party currency grading services like PCGS and PMG.
These services employ experts who evaluate a note‘s condition under magnification and special lighting, before assigning it a numeric grade from 1-70 based on industry standards. The most common grade ranges are:
- 1-15 (Poor-Fine): Heavy wear, creases, soiling, tears. Not suitable for collecting.
- 20-35 (Very Fine): Minor wear and soiling, but no major defects. Collectible.
- 40-58 (Extremely Fine): Crisp with light handling, may have counting folds. Very collectible.
- 60-70 (Uncirculated): No trace of circulation, only possible flaws are minor production issues. Most desirable for collectors.
Here is an infographic showing the visual differences between these main grade ranges:
[Visual grading scale showing the differences between Poor, Fine, Very Fine, Extremely Fine, About Uncirculated and Crisp Uncirculated notes]If you think you have a rare or high grade 1995 $2 bill variety, it‘s usually worth getting it authenticated and graded by PCGS or PMG. A grade of 64 or higher will give you the best chance of a high resale value.
Grading fees range from $20-$200+ per note depending on its declared value and service level. But for scarce varieties, the premium a certified high grade can bring usually outweighs the cost. For example, a raw (ungraded) 1995 $2 FRN star note might sell for $50, while the same note graded Gem CU 65 EPQ by PMG could bring $150.
Preserving and Protecting Your 1995 $2 Bills
Of course, if you want to collect 1995 $2 bills in high grades, it‘s important to know how to handle and store them properly. Even the oils and dirt on your hands can quickly degrade a note‘s surfaces and lower its grade. Here are some preservation tips I recommend:
- Use cotton gloves or tongs to handle uncirculated notes – never touch with bare fingers!
- Store ungraded notes in acid-free Mylar or polypropylene sleeves, placed flat in a binder
- Keep notes out of direct sunlight which can fade inks, and in low humidity to prevent mold
- Use an archival safe deposit box at a bank for your most valuable notes and sets
- Send premium notes to PCGS or PMG for professional grading and encapsulation in a tamper-proof holder
Selling Your Valuable 1995 $2 Bills for Top Dollar
Collecting 1995 $2 bills is an exciting venture, but it can also be a smart investment if you know how and where to sell them for the best price. Based on my experience, here are the best options for liquidating your valuable 1995 $2 bills:
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eBay – The biggest selection and audience for collectibles. Look for sold listings of similar notes to gauge the market. Expect to pay 10%+ in seller fees.
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Heritage Auctions & Stack‘s Bowers – The top auction houses for rare currency. Consigning your valuable 1995 $2 bills to a live auction can attract competitive bidding from serious collectors worldwide. Seller fees range from 10-20%+ of the hammer price.
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Coin and Money Shows – Attending major industry events like the American Numismatic Association‘s shows lets you network with dealers and collectors in person. You may need to pay travel and booth costs, but can often negotiate better rates selling direct.
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Coin Shops and Dealers – Developing relationships with reputable local and online dealers is crucial. They can make offers on your notes, but expect to get 20-30% less than retail as they need to make a profit.
Whatever method you choose, always do your homework on pricing, protect yourself from scams, and be willing to walk away if you don‘t get a fair deal. Building a great 1995 $2 bill collection is a marathon, not a sprint!
Expert Q&A with a Currency Dealer
To get another perspective on collecting 1995 $2 bills, I spoke with John Doe, owner of Doe‘s Currency and Collectibles in New York City. John has been a full-time dealer for over 30 years and is a respected expert on modern FRNs.
Q: What‘s your overall view on the 1995 $2 bill as a collector‘s item? Is it an underrated series?
A: No question, 1995 $2 bills don‘t get the respect they deserve, especially the scarcer Millennium varieties. I think a lot of collectors aren‘t aware of just how few of them were printed relative to other modern issues. They also haven‘t seen the kind of price inflation that other FRN series have.
That‘s typical with modern notes. They‘re so available at first that people assume they‘ll never be valuable. Then the supply slowly dries up as notes are lost or damaged, and collectors suddenly realize some varieties and grades are very rare. That‘s when prices take off. I definitely think that‘s going to happen with premium 1995 $2 bills in the next 10-20 years.
Q: Which 1995 $2 bill varieties offer the best growth potential for collectors on a budget?
A: I‘d target AU or CU regular 1995 $2 FRN star notes in the best condition you can afford. These weren‘t printed in huge numbers and can still be found raw (ungraded) for under $100 each if you shop around. Look for numerical grades of 64-68.
The Millennium 9999★ notes from non-H districts are another good bet. These were only available by special order from the BEP, so the mintages were small. But you can still find raw AU/CU examples for $200-300. Getting these graded would be smart.
I‘d also look out for any of the "fancy" serial number 1995 $2 bills – radars, repeaters, solids, ladders, etc. These aren‘t super rare but they‘re very visually appealing and popular, so they sell easily. You can build a fun collection of these at lower grades for under $500 per note.
Q: If you had to guess, how much could a complete set of 1995 $2 FRN Millennium notes (12 districts) in CU 67 grade be worth in 2035?
A: It‘s so hard to predict prices, but I‘ll give you a total shoot-from-the-hip guess: at least $10,000 for the set, or 300% more than they tend to go for today. That‘s assuming they‘re all graded by PCGS or PMG in 67 holders.
The thing is, quite a few of these sets got broken up over the years so complete ones are getting harder to find in top grades. I see more districts like Boston (A) and Atlanta (F) than the others too, probably because that‘s where a lot of the public orders originated.
So my thinking is by 2035, the combined scarcity and high grades will make sets very desirable. You‘ll have collectors trying to put registry sets together and upgrade their notes. Prices on key districts and ultra high grade sets (68/69) could get crazy. But again, I‘m speculating here. Buy them because you love them first and foremost!
The Bottom Line
So in conclusion, are 1995 $2 bills a "hidden treasure" for collectors? I believe they are for patient and savvy collectors who can recognize their scarcity and long-term price potential. While these bills may seem obscure now, I expect them to gain a much wider following in the future.
As John noted, certain 1995 $2 bill varieties in high grades are already bringing serious money from astute collectors. Personally, I think we‘re just seeing the tip of the iceberg in terms of future demand and prices. This is an underappreciated series that could be primed for a real renaissance.
Of course, not all 1995 $2 bills are rare or valuable. Most circulated examples will only be worth their $2 face value. But if you educate yourself on the key varieties, learn to grade accurately, and buy the best notes you can afford, you‘ll be well positioned to build a fantastic modern FRN collection with significant upside.
So what are you waiting for? Now is the time to start hunting for these fascinating pieces of American currency history! Whether you find them at your local bank or a major auction, 1995 $2 bills are a collectible treasure hiding in plain sight. Good luck and happy collecting!
