The Ultimate $2 Bill Value Guide: Small-Size Red and Green Seals (Updated February 2026)

🔗 Wondering if your star note is rare? You can check the exact print-run size and rarity score here: Star Note Lookup and Data

$2 NOTES

Although $2 notes are the least used currency, there was enough demand, at least in some parts of the United States, for the government to authorize an issue with an 1995 series date.

The $2 bill is often called the “unlucky” or “forgotten” note of American currency, but in the collector market, it is a powerhouse of value. Since the transition to small-size currency in 1928, the $2 bill has seen several transformations—from the iconic Red Seal United States Notes to the modern Green Seal Federal Reserve Notes.

While most modern $2 bills are worth exactly their face value, rare series letters, “Star” replacement marks, and high-grade preservation can make a single note worth over $20,000.

How $2 Bills Are Graded

Condition is the primary driver of value. Because $2 bills were often kept as “souvenirs” rather than spent, many high-grade examples exist, making the competition for “Gem” status fierce.

Average Circulated (VF to EF): These notes show signs of use, such as limited folds and light smudging, but remain intact with no tears. A Very Fine (VF) note has a semi-crisp surface, while an Extremely Fine (EF) note looks nearly new with only minor counting folds.
Uncirculated (UNC / CU): Also known as “Crisp Uncirculated,” these are “pack-fresh” notes. They have no wear, zero fold marks, and perfectly sharp, square corners.
Gem Uncirculated: The elite standard. A “Gem” note features perfect centering, deep and vibrant ink impressions, and original paper sheen. These notes command massive premiums at auction because they represent the finest surviving examples of a specific series.

Pro Tip: Look for the Star (★) symbol at the beginning or end of the serial number. These are Replacement Notes used to replace sheets damaged during printing. Because they are produced in much smaller quantities, they are the most valuable varieties in every series.

$2 Banknote Valuation Chart (1928–Present)

Values are estimated averages based on recent auction sales and market demand.

Series	Seal Color	Avg. Circulated (VF/EF)	Uncirculated (CU)	Star Note (UNC)
1928	Red	$10 – $35	$100 – $250	$650 – $1,200
1928A	Red	$15 – $45	$250 – $600	$5,000+
1928B	Red	$35 – $150	$750 – $2,500	$20,000+
1928C	Red	$10 – $40	$150 – $350	$850 – $1,500
1928D	Red	$8 – $25	$45 – $125	$250 – $600
1928E	Red	$10 – $30	$100 – $250	$5,000+
1928F/G	Red	$5 – $15	$35 – $85	$250 – $450
1953 (A-C)	Red	$3 – $8	$15 – $35	$45 – $125
1963 (A)	Red	$3 – $6	$12 – $25	$35 – $85
1976	Green	$2.00	$5 – $10	$15 – $35
1995	Green	$2.00	$4 – $8	$10 – $25
2003–Pres.	Green	$2.00	$3 – $5	$5 – $15

Key Varieties and Historic Rarities

1. The 1928B Red Seal Star Note

The Series 1928B $2 Red Seal is the “King” of small-size $2 bills. While standard notes from this series are already valuable, the Star Note version is an incredible rarity. A high-grade 1928B Star Note can reach prices between $15,000 and $25,000 due to an extremely low survival rate.

2. The 1976 Bicentennial Issue

In 1976, the $2 bill was redesigned to celebrate the U.S. Bicentennial. The reverse was changed from Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, to the Signing of the Declaration of Independence. Many people saved these thinking they would be worth a fortune; however, because so many were hoarded, common 1976 notes are generally only worth face value unless they have a First Day of Issue postmark or a rare Star serial number.

3. Modern Fancy Serial Numbers

On modern green-seal $2 bills (Series 2003, 2009, 2013, 2017A), the value is almost entirely driven by the serial number. Look for:

Low Serials: Any number below 00001000.
Radars: Numbers that read the same forward and backward (e.g., 12344321).
Binaries: Numbers containing only two digits (e.g., 22002200).

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