Are 2017 $2 Bills Worth Anything?

Most 2017 $2 bills are worth their face value. While the $2 bill has a long history, its value depends on specific characteristics, not just its year. Many people mistakenly believe it is rare, leading to its less common appearance in daily transactions.

Understanding $2 Bill Value

The value of any $2 bill, including those from 2017, largely depends on specific characteristics rather than its year alone.

A bill’s physical condition is a primary factor influencing its collectible value. Uncirculated bills, which are crisp, clean, and free of folds or tears, command higher prices than those that have been used. Even minor creases or stains can reduce a bill’s appeal to collectors.

Serial numbers can enhance a $2 bill’s worth. Collectors seek out “fancy” serial numbers, such as low numbers (e.g., 00000001), high numbers (e.g., 99999999), or sequential patterns like “ladders” (e.g., 12345678). Other desirable patterns include “repeaters” (e.g., 12121212) or “radar” notes, which read the same forwards and backward. Star notes, identified by a star symbol at the end of the serial number, are replacement bills for those damaged during printing and can also be more valuable.

Printing errors can add value. These include misaligned cuts, ink errors, or missing print elements. Such errors occur when the Bureau of Engraving and Printing releases notes with defects, making them unique collector’s items. The more striking the error, the more desirable the bill.

How to Evaluate Your 2017 $2 Bill

To assess your 2017 $2 bill, first examine its overall condition. Look for folds, creases, or signs of wear. Uncirculated notes have sharp corners and no visible imperfections.

Inspect the serial number, printed in the upper right and lower left corners. Look for patterns like low numbers, repeating digits, or consecutive sequences. Also, check for a star symbol at the end, indicating a star note.

Scan the bill for printing anomalies. Check for misaligned borders or portraits, unusual ink smudges, or incomplete designs, which indicate a printing error.

Handle the bill by its edges to prevent adding new marks or oils, which could diminish its potential value.

Professional Assessment and Sale

If your examination suggests that your 2017 $2 bill might hold value beyond its face amount, seeking a professional appraisal is a prudent next step. Reputable currency appraisers, known as numismatists, can provide an accurate valuation based on their expertise and knowledge of the collector’s market. You can locate such professionals through national organizations like the American Numismatic Association (ANA) or the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG), or by visiting established local coin and currency dealers.

Before and after any assessment, proper care and preservation of the bill are important. Store potentially valuable bills in acid-free, PVC-free protective sleeves or currency holders to shield them from environmental damage and physical wear. Avoid folding the bill, writing on it, or attempting to clean it, as these actions can irreversibly reduce its collectible worth. Keeping the bill in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight is also advised.

Should your $2 bill be deemed valuable, several avenues exist for its sale. Reputable coin and currency dealers purchase rare notes, providing a direct transaction. Auction houses specializing in numismatics, such as Heritage Auctions or Stack’s Bowers Galleries, can offer a wider market and potentially higher prices, though they charge a commission. Online numismatic marketplaces also provide platforms for selling, but use those with established reputations.