How Much Is a 2 Dollar Bill From 2013 Worth?

The two-dollar bill, featuring President Thomas Jefferson, often sparks curiosity due to its infrequent appearance in daily transactions. Many mistakenly believe it to be rare or valuable, especially when encountering specific series like the 2013 $2 bill. This article clarifies the actual value of modern two-dollar bills, particularly those from the 2013 series, by examining factors that influence their market price.

Understanding the Face Value of Modern $2 Bills

Modern two-dollar bills, including the 2013 series, are regularly printed by the U.S. Treasury and are not rare. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing produced hundreds of millions of $2 bills for the 2013 series alone. Despite these numbers, the public often perceives them as uncommon because they are not widely circulated.

A standard 2013 $2 bill, even uncirculated, is generally worth its face value of $2. Some uncirculated examples might sell for a small premium, perhaps $4 to $8, typically for pristine specimens. Age alone does not confer significant value on recent bills like the 2013 series, as their abundance means they do not command prices far above their legal tender value.

Key Elements That Increase a $2 Bill’s Value

Certain characteristics can elevate a 2013 $2 bill’s value beyond its face amount for collectors. The physical condition of the bill is a primary determinant; uncirculated notes, which remain crisp, clean, and free of folds or tears, are more valuable than circulated ones. A bill’s grade, often determined by professional grading services, directly impacts its market appeal and potential selling price.

Star notes are replacement notes issued by the Federal Reserve when an error occurs during printing. A star symbol at the end of the serial number identifies them. For instance, a 2013 $2 star note from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta in uncirculated condition (MS 63 grade) might be worth around $45, while those from San Francisco or New York could fetch about $20.

Fancy serial numbers also attract collector interest. These include patterns such as “radar notes” (reading the same forwards and backward), “repeater notes” (where a sequence of digits repeats), or very low serial numbers (e.g., 00000001). Solid numbers (e.g., 77777777) or ladder numbers (e.g., 12345678) are also highly sought after. Printing errors, such as misaligned prints, ink smears, or fold-over errors, are rare occurrences that can significantly increase a bill’s value, sometimes to thousands of dollars.

Assessing and Selling Your $2 Bill

If your 2013 $2 bill has characteristics like a star note, a fancy serial number, or a printing error, a preliminary self-assessment is the first step. Examine the bill’s condition for wear, folds, or tears, and scrutinize the serial number and any unusual printing features. Comparing your bill to online resources and price guides can provide an initial indication of its potential value.

For potentially valuable bills, seeking professional appraisal and authentication is a wise next step. Numismatists or professional grading services, such as Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) or Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS), can authenticate and grade currency. These services typically involve a fee, ranging from approximately $20 to over $100 per note depending on the service level and declared value. Professional grading provides a standardized assessment of the bill’s condition and authenticity, valuable for serious collectors.

Once a bill’s value is established, there are several selling options. Reputable coin and currency dealers often buy valuable notes, and some offer free appraisals. Online auction platforms specializing in collectibles, such as Heritage Auctions, GreatCollections, or Stack’s Bowers Galleries, provide a venue to reach a broad audience. When selling, exercise caution and utilize established, trusted channels to avoid unrealistic expectations or potential scams.