If you have this $2 bill, it could be worth as much as $4,500

If you have this $2 bill, it could be worth as much as $4,500

$2 bills are nothing new to the U.S. but, depending on which bill you have, it could be worth a lot of money.

First, a little $2 history…

According to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the U.S. issued its first $2 note in 1862.

The $2 notes issued prior to 1928 featured a variety of designs which would often change with the introduction of new currency. After 1928, the $2 notes were more standardized, featuring a portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the front and, from 1928-1976, a vignette of Jefferson’s home, Monticello on the back.

Starting in 1976, the back of notes was changed to feature a portrayal of the Declaration of Independence. That design appears it will stick around awhile, with the U.S. Mint saying there are no plans to change its look.

What $2 bills are worth the most?

According to a report from Cleveland.com, U.S. Currency Auctions has estimated that uncirculated $2 bills from 1890 could sell for as much as $4,500. Uncirculated bills from nearly every other year after 1862 to 1917 could be worth $500 or more with some, like an uncirculated 1869 note, topping $3,800.

After 1917, high-value bills include 1918 and 1928B, both valued at $1,000 for uncirculated notes. 1995 notes are worth $500 or more but only if you happen to have the uncirculated set of 12 $2 notes in original packaging, UScurrencyauction.com reports. Values for a 2003 premium Federal Reserve set of 12 $2 bills could fetch as much as $700.

In every case, circulated bills are worth much less, though the early $2 bills from pre-1900 still can bring into the low $1,000s.

According to the Federal Reserve, there are currently 1.5 billion $2 bills in circulation, a drop in the bucket compared to its much more popular counterpart the $1 bill with 14.3 billion in circulation.  In all, the U.S. has some 54.1 billion bills in circulation.