Yes, $2 Bills Are Still Being Printed Today!

The iconic $2 bill holds a special place in American currency, even if you rarely come across one in everyday transactions. Since many people assume $2 bills are discontinued or collectible, they are often surprised to learn that the U.S. Treasury is still printing over 100 million new $2 bills each year!

Let‘s take a closer look at the history of the $2 bill and find out what gives this uncommon denomination its enduring value and appeal.

A Storied History: The $2 Bill‘s Place in U.S. Currency

The first $2 bill was issued in 1862 and featured Alexander Hamilton on the face. For many decades, $2 bills were routinely printed and circulated. This all changed in 1966 when production of new $2 bills halted. The main reason? Lack of public demand. Most Americans simply didn‘t use $2 bills often in commerce.

But a decade later in 1976, the $2 bill made a comeback as part of the U.S. Bicentennial celebrations! That year a new $2 note design featuring a portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the front entered circulation.

Since then, while never regaining the popularity of $1, $5 or $20 bills, the $2 denomination has remained in continuous production. Today $2 bills account for just 1% of US currency in circulation. In 2022, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing produced around 140 million new $2 bills.

Now that we‘ve established $2 bills are still rolling off the presses, let‘s discuss why these uncommon banknotes are so prized by collectors and what contributes to their enduring intrigue and value…

What Gives $2 Bills Their Appeal?

There are a few key factors that make $2 bills fascinating to numismatists and casual collectors alike:

Relative Scarcity – While still printed annually, $2 production is quite small compared to other denominations resulting in fewer bills in circulation. This alone contributes to their appeal.

Intriguing History – As one of the oldest paper currency denominations, $2 bills offer a unique window into the past. And they‘ve gone through some interesting transitions over the centuries!

Special Occasion Use – Today, giving out $2 bills is popular for holidays, birthdays and celebrations due to their perceived scarcity. This has only added to their allure.

Potential Hidden Value – While most are only worth $2, some older $2 bills can be extremely valuable to collectors, introducing an enticing treasure hunt aspect.

Let‘s dig deeper into the current and potential values associated with $2 bills…

Most $2 Bills are Face Value – But Some are Worth Much More!

The vast majority of $2 bills in circulation today are common banknotes worth exactly their legal tender value of $2.

This applies to all $2 bills issued from 1976 onward in grades of Very Good, Fine, Very Fine, and Extremely Fine. Unless you happen upon a rare misprinted note, even uncirculated modern $2 bills are only worth face value.

But here‘s where things get interesting – $2 bills printed before 1963, especially earlier than the 1930s, can potentially be very valuable to collectors and dealers. Let‘s look at some of the most valuable $2 bills:

As you can see, age and condition are the primary drivers of valuable $2 bills. The same $2 bill printed in the 1920s might sell for $1,500 uncirculated but only $15 in well-circulated condition.

This is why it can be so lucrative to check any old $2 bills you find in circulation or inherit from family members. While the vast majority will be normal $2 banknotes, you could uncover a hidden gem!

Where Can You Get $2 Bills Today?

If you want to get your hands on some $2 bills, here are a few easy options:

• Request at your bank – Most banks will order uncirculated $2 bills for customers if you request them. You may need to order a minimum number.

• Buy from dealers – Numismatic dealers sell individual $2 bills and full uncut sheets of $2 notes. Great for gifts!

• Check auctions – You can bid on rare, high value $2 bills at currency auctions and collector events.

• Receive in change – On the off chance, you may encounter $2 bills in circulation when receiving change from transactions.

• Inherit from family – When sorting through possessions of older relatives, be sure to check for any old $2 bills!

Storing and Authenticating Your $2 Bills

If you are lucky enough to acquire some older or uncirculated $2 bills, proper storage and authentication is crucial:

• Use protective sleeves or albums made for paper currency – avoid PVC plastics

• Handle bills carefully by edges and inspect for damage

• Research seals, dates, serial numbers to identify rare varieties

• Compare security features against known genuine $2 bills

• Consult experienced dealers or appraisers regarding valuable $2 bills

This helps ensure your $2 bills remain in original condition and checks that they are real legal tender notes, not counterfeits or reproductions.

The $2 bill has secured its place in currency history and continues to entrance collectors over 150 years since its debut. Though the most common $2 bills are only face value, the possibility of uncovering a rare and valuable banknote keeps interest high in this uncommon paper money denomination.

So next time you‘re given a crisp $2 bill, take a closer look! While it may just be another Thomas Jefferson note, you never know if it could be a special commemorative or high value variety. Happy hunting!