Can You Order $2 Bills and How Do You Get Them?

The $2 bill stands as a unique piece of United States currency. Despite common misconceptions, this denomination remains legal tender and is actively printed, featuring President Thomas Jefferson on the front and a depiction of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on the reverse.

Sources for Two-Dollar Bills

Acquiring $2 bills is generally straightforward, primarily through commercial banks. Most banks can provide $2 bills upon request, though availability can vary by branch, and it is advisable to call ahead to confirm their stock. Some banks might require ordering larger quantities, such as a full strap ($200 worth), but many are willing to break these down for smaller requests. If a local branch does not have them, they can order them from their Federal Reserve Bank.

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) produces all U.S. currency, including $2 bills. The BEP offers uncut sheets of currency, which can include $2 bills, for purchase, often for commemorative or collector purposes. For specific or collectible $2 bills, online dealers and numismatic shops are another avenue. These sources typically sell bills above their face value, reflecting their collector’s worth.

Reasons for Their Limited Circulation

The limited circulation of $2 bills is often misinterpreted as rarity, yet over 1.4 billion $2 bills were in circulation in 2020. Historically, the $2 bill has faced fluctuating popularity, at times being associated with negative connotations like gambling or vote-buying, which led to a reluctance to use or accept them in transactions. This contributed to its infrequent use, preventing its widespread integration into commerce.

Many people treat $2 bills as novelties or collectibles, choosing to keep them rather than spend them. This hoarding removes them from active circulation. Furthermore, the design of many retail systems, such as cash registers and vending machines, typically accommodates denominations like $1, $5, $10, and $20, often lacking a dedicated slot for the $2 bill. This makes handling $2 bills inconvenient for businesses. Consequently, banks experience lower demand for $2 bills, leading to fewer being ordered and distributed for general use.

Assessing Their Worth

Most $2 bills encountered in everyday transactions are worth their face value: two dollars. However, some $2 bills can be worth significantly more than face value in the numismatic market. The primary factors determining a $2 bill’s collector value include its condition, age, and any unique characteristics.

Uncirculated bills, which are crisp and new, are more valuable than circulated ones. Older series or specific printings, particularly those issued before 1976 or with rare features like red seals, can also increase a bill’s value. Bills with special features such as “star notes” (replacement bills with a star in the serial number), low serial numbers, or printing errors are highly sought after by collectors. While some $2 bills from 2003 have sold for thousands of dollars due to unique serial numbers or uncirculated condition, most modern $2 bills will not yield more than their face value. If a bill possesses these specific attributes, consulting a currency collector or dealer can help determine its potential numismatic value.