How Much Are 2017 2 Dollar Bills Worth?

The United States $2 bill, featuring Thomas Jefferson, possesses a distinctive history among U.S. currency. Despite its long tenure since 1862, it is not commonly encountered in everyday transactions, leading to a misconception about its rarity. While millions of $2 bills remain in circulation and are actively produced by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, most recent issues, including those from 2017, are typically worth only their face value. Only specific characteristics elevate a $2 bill beyond its stated denomination for collectors.

Understanding Factors That Influence Currency Value

The collectible value of paper currency, known as numismatic value, depends on several factors beyond its face value. The physical condition, or “grade,” of a bill significantly influences its worth; uncirculated notes, which are crisp and free of damage, command higher prices than circulated ones. Even minor creases can reduce a bill’s value, as collectors prioritize pristine examples.

Rarity is another important factor, often determined by low print runs or specific series. For instance, “star notes,” which are replacement bills for misprinted or damaged notes, are generally rarer than standard production notes and can fetch a premium.

Unique serial numbers, such as very low numbers (e.g., 00000001), solid numbers (e.g., 88888888), or “ladder” serial numbers (e.g., 12345678), also increase a bill’s collectibility. Printing errors, like misaligned prints, ink smears, or missing elements, can make a bill unique for collectors.

Evaluating 2017 $2 Bills

The 2017A series $2 bills, while often perceived as rare, are generally not highly valuable beyond their face value in circulated condition. However, certain specific characteristics can increase their worth. An uncirculated 2017A $2 bill, meaning it has never been used in transactions and remains crisp, can be worth around $4.

For a 2017A $2 bill to have significant value, it would need to be a “star note” from a specific, lower print run Federal Reserve Bank. For example, a 2017A series $2 star note from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York can be worth around $250 in uncirculated condition, while those from Atlanta, Philadelphia, and San Francisco can range from $20 to $30. Bills with very low serial numbers or printing errors, such as misaligned prints or ink issues, can also command higher prices.

Next Steps for Valuing Your Bill

To assess the potential value of your $2 bill, begin with a careful inspection. Examine the bill’s physical condition for any signs of wear, such as folds, creases, tears, or stains; crisp, flat bills showing no circulation are generally more valuable. Hold the bill up to a light source and at different angles to detect hard-to-see folds or slight creases.

Next, locate the series year and identify the serial number. Check for a star symbol at the end of the serial number, which indicates a star note. You can then use online numismatic databases to research production numbers and valuable series for 2017 $2 bills. These resources can help determine if your bill has characteristics that align with collector interest, such as low serial number patterns or recognized error types.

Options for Selling or Appraising Collectible Currency

If you believe your $2 bill has significant value, several avenues exist for professional appraisal or sale. Reputable coin and currency dealers specialize in buying and selling collectible paper money. You can locate these dealers through online directories, numismatic association websites, or by checking with organizations like the Better Business Bureau. When selecting a dealer, look for those who are knowledgeable, ethical, and members of professional organizations like the American Numismatic Association (ANA) or the Professional Numismatists Guild (PNG).

Numismatic societies offer educational resources and connect collectors, which can be beneficial for understanding the market and finding experts. For formal valuations, consider seeking a professional appraiser who can provide a detailed written appraisal based on current industry standards. Online auction platforms also facilitate the sale of collectible currency, but it is important to be aware of authentication processes and potential risks associated with selling valuable items.