Why is $2 good luck?

The $2 bill has a fascinating history of being seen as both unlucky and extremely fortunate. This dichotomy comes from its rarity in circulation, unique design, and the superstitions surrounding it. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share insights into the $2 bill‘s past, its lucky and unlucky associations, collecting values, and reasons why this modest denomination captivates imaginations.

The Origins and Sporadic History of the $2 Bill

The first $2 bill was issued in 1862 as a Legal Tender Note featuring Alexander Hamilton. Early nicknames included "Lincoln Greenbacks" and "Postage Currency", as they had a similar size and feel to postage stamps. $2 bills were printed in small batches periodically over the next century alongside larger runs of $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills.

This sporadic production contributed to low public awareness of $2 bills by the mid-20th century. The Treasury Department tried unsuccessfully to popularize $2 bills in 1966, even air dropping them over U.S. cities. But lacking demand, the BEP discontinued printing $2 bills for a decade until 1976, when the current $2 bill design debuted for the U.S. Bicentennial.

Rarity By the Numbers

As of 2022, there were around 1.5 billion $2 bills in global circulation. This might sound plentiful, but it represents just 0.001% of the over 152 billion U.S. banknotes in use worldwide. To put their scarcity into perspective:

• There are 29 times more $100 bills than $2 bills
• $2 bills are printed in batches of 3 million per year, versus 4.2 billion $1 bills annually
• Only 1 in 8 Americans has used a $2 bill in the past year

This extreme scarcity has perpetuated the myth that $2 bills are rare collector‘s items, no longer valid or already phased out. In truth, $2 bills have been printed consistently since 1976 and remain legal U.S. tender. Their low circulation simply adds to their allure.

When and Why Did $2 Bills Gain a Reputation as Unlucky?

Various folklore and superstitions throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to $2 bills being considered cursed, unlucky, or even evil.

"Deuce" as Slang for the Devil

One theory traces back to the $2 bill‘s nickname as a "deuce", originally a term for the number two. But "deuce" was also slang for the devil or a demon. Anything labeled a "deuce" took on wicked connotations, hence the $2 bill‘s association with misfortune and ill-intent. Those possessing a $2 feared it carried a curse.

Tearing Off Corners to Negate Bad Luck

A common practice was tearing off one corner of the $2 bill after receiving it, before spending it. People believed this "broke" the curse, similar to how notch marks were said to de-curse axe heads or whittled wood. Removing the unlucky deuce‘s corner purified it again for use.

Association With Gambling and Vice

Some less scrupulous types decided not to tear $2 bills, but to quickly offload them onto others. Passing along a $2 as payment in houses of gambling or vice essentially spread their bad luck. As a result, the very sight of someone holding a $2 implied they were up to no good.

When Did the $2 Gain Favor as a Lucky Charm?

The $2 bill‘s reputation shifted in the mid-20th century, transitioning from unlucky to highly fortunate. Certain risky professions began adopting the $2 as their official good luck charm, a tradition that persists today.

Wall Street‘s Lucky $2 Bills

During the 1950s, Wall Street bond traders started a ritual of carrying a $2 bill folded in their wallets while making trades. They viewed its rarity as imbuing the $2 with luck and believed it brought prosperity. This tradition spread and continues on the NYSE trading floor. Stockbrokers often place an order to purchase more $2 bills specifically for trading days.

Favored by Gamblers and Racehorse Owners

Once considered cursed, gamblers began sensing opportunity in the $2 bill‘s scarcity. They adopted it as a lucky token, and high rollers now request $2 bills when buying in at casinos. Racehorse owners are extremely superstitious about only using $2 bills when placing bets on races.

Gifting $2 Bills for Special Occasions

Its dual lucky-unlucky mystique has made gifting a $2 bill more meaningful. People frequently give $2 bills to celebrate birthdays, graduations, weddings, holidays, and other milestones as a special monetary keepsake.

Unique Design Features of the $2 Bill

Several key design elements give the $2 bill its distinctive, easily recognizable look and feel. These attributes also contribute to its allure for collectors and hobbyists.

Thomas Jefferson Portrait

The $2 bill has depicted Thomas Jefferson continuously since 1869, matching the profile found on the nickel. Most paper currency features former U.S. presidents, but Jefferson remains almost exclusively on the $2.

Declaration of Independence Reverse Imagery

The reverse artwork shows a reproduction of John Trumbull‘s 1817 painting The Declaration of Independence. This iconic scene of the drafting committee submitting the Declaration adds to the $2 bill‘s sensory appeal.

The Red Seal and Serial Numbers

$2 Bills stand out through their bright red Treasury seal and serial numbers. Other denominations use black, blue, or green seals. The red seal has appeared on $2 bills since 1928 and helps explain the "red note" and "red seal $2" nicknames.

What Gives $2 Bills Colleting Value?

While most circulated $2 bills are only worth face value, there are certain specimens, conditions, and series dates that give them collectible value and premium pricing:

Pristine Uncirculated Bills

Bills graded as CU (crisp uncirculated) or PR (proof) can sell for $4 and up. High-grade uncirculated $2 bills in perfect shape have sold at auction for over $100.

Low Print Runs and Older Series Dates

Very early series dates like 1886 and 1891, or 1899 silver certificates, in crisp condition can fetch $80-$100+ due to lower print runs. This also applies to 1928-B notes.

Star Replacement Notes

Star notes with numbers beginning or ending in a ⋆ symbol are replacement bills worth a small premium. A combination of star note and older series date adds appeal.

Fancy Serial Numbers

Bills with serial numbers beginning or ending in a low digit like A12345678A or serial number palindromes bring a higher collectors value of $50+.

The $2 bill has inspired intrigue throughout its complex history. For currency collectors, its dual lucky-unlucky legacy along with its visual uniqueness and scarcity heighten its appeal. The $2 bill‘s strange mystique ensures it will continue fascinating the popular imagination.