In those days, a $2 bill represented a decent sum of money – especially considering that a typical laborer in any of the big East Coast cities may have been earning about 75 cents to $1 during the Civil War era. The first $2 bills were printed under the second issue of Legal Tender Notes, produced as Series 1862.

Let’s be frank here – when did you last see a $2 bill outside of a numismatic shop or banknote collection? Have you ever seen a $2 bill in regular circulation, let alone used one to pay for something? If you’re of a certain age, chances are rather good that you can say you’ve spent a $2 bill as bona fide money – and not just to give to someone as a special sort of tip or a birthday gift to a youngster. Suffice it to say, that first thought isn’t all that uncommon, especially among our friends in the non-numismatic community. However it is that the unsuspecting Joe or Jolene happens upon the $2 bill, it’s generally a moment met with at least two thoughts: “I didn’t know they made $2 bills!” and/or “what’s this $2 bill worth?” Quite often, the non-collector’s rare encounter with a $2 bill is associated with an event of good tidings – perhaps the $2 bill is a holiday gift, or it’s given to the recipient as part of a tip. Click images to enlarge.ĭid you recently come across a $2 bill and wonder what it’s worth? You’re not alone… The $2 bill is one of the seemingly most unusual types of banknotes Americans have the pleasure of (occasionally) stumbling upon today. The Series 2003 $2 bill carries Thomas Jefferson on the obverse and on the reverse a vignette depicting the presentation of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

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