Each note of the same denomination has its own serial number. Up through Series 1995, all Federal Reserve notes had serial numbers consisting of one letter, eight digits, and one letter, such as A12345678B; now only the $1 and $2 notes still use this form. Even a dollar bill could be worth enough to pay some of those monthly bills. The key is the eight-digit serial number, and whether it seems 'fancy' or special to collectors. When the redesigned $100 bill comes out Oct. 8, the one with the serial number 00000001 could be worth $10,000 to $15,000, Dustin Johnston, director of currency for. The serial number can occasionally make a seemingly common $2 bill worth a lot more money. Any serial number under 100 is a good find. Any note dated between 1899 and 1928 that has a star symbol in the serial number could also potentially be worth a lot of money. The most important factor is always condition.

1976 $2 Dollar Bill Serial Number Lookup

Raised Printing

Move your finger along the note’s surface to feel the raised printing, which gives genuine Federal Reserve notes their distinctive texture.

Paper

Federal Reserve note paper is one-fourth linen and three-fourths cotton, and contains red and blue security fibers.

Federal Reserve Bank Seal
A black seal to the left of the portrait bears the name and corresponding letter of the distributing Federal Reserve Bank.
Treasury Seal
A green seal to the right of the portrait represents the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The design of the seal was changed to incorporate an English inscription and appears on all Federal Reserve notes of the 1969 series year or later.
Portrait and Vignette
The $2 note features a portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the front of the note and a vignette depicting the signing of the Declaration of Independence on the back of the note.
Serial Numbers
A combination of eleven numbers and letters appears twice on the front of the note.

Raised Printing

Move your finger along the note’s surface to feel the raised printing, which gives genuine Federal Reserve notes their distinctive texture.

Paper

Federal Reserve note paper is one-fourth linen and three-fourths cotton, and contains red and blue security fibers.

The back of the $2 Federal Reserve note features an engraving of John Trumbull's painting, “Declaration of Independence.” Although the original painting depicts 47 men, space constraints meant that only 42 could appear on the note.

Downloads

Play Money Coloring Sheets
These printable coloring sheets of denominations $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, and $100 are intended for children, parents, and teachers.
$2 Note (1976-Present)
Explore security and design features of the $2 note, issued 1976-present.

History

1776

The first $2 notes are Continentals and are nine days older than America. On June 25, 1776, the Continental Congress authorizes issuance of the $2 denominations in “bills of credit” for the defense of America.

1861

In order to finance the Civil War, Congress authorizes the U.S. Department of the Treasury to issue non-interest-bearing Demand Notes. These notes earn the nickname “greenbacks” because of their color. All U.S. currency issued since 1861 remains valid and redeemable at full face value.

1862

By 1862, the Demand Notes incorporate fine-line engraving, intricate geometric lathe work patterns, a U.S. Department of the Treasury seal, and engraved signatures to aid in counterfeit deterrence. To this day, U.S. currency continues to add features to deter counterfeiting.

1862

Congress authorizes a new class of currency, known as “United States notes,” or “Legal Tender notes.” These notes are characterized by a red seal and serial number. They continue to circulate until 1971.

1869

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing begins engraving and printing the faces and seals of U.S. banknotes. Before this, U.S. banknotes were produced by private banknote companies and then sent to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing for sealing, trimming, and cutting.

1889

Legislation mandates that all banknotes and other securities containing portraits include the name of the individual below the portrait. This is why you see names below the portraits on banknotes to this day.

1913

The Federal Reserve Act of 1913 establishes the Federal Reserve as the nation’s central bank and provides for a national banking system that is more responsive to the fluctuating financial needs of the country. The Federal Reserve Board issues new currency called Federal Reserve notes.

1929

The appearance of U.S. banknotes changes greatly in 1929. In an effort to lower manufacturing costs, all Federal Reserve notes are made about 30 percent smaller—measuring 6.14 x 2.61 inches, rather than 7.375 x 3.125 inches. In addition, standardized designs are instituted for each denomination, decreasing the number of designs in circulation and making it easier for the public to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit notes.

1971

Because United States notes no longer served any function not already adequately met by Federal Reserve notes, their issuance was discontinued and, beginning in 1971, no new United States notes were placed into circulation.

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$2 Note Life Cycle

Before a Federal Reserve note enters circulation, it must pass through four critical steps: design, order, production, and issuance.

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Bank of Canada serial number database

List all prefixes and possible serial numbers for each denominations and signatures of Bank of Canada banknotes. You can also find out more about:

Known asterisk and replacement 1954 devil's face banknotes.
Known asterisk and replacement 1954 modified portrait banknotes.
Known asterisk and replacement 1967 Confederation banknotes.
Known asterisk and replacement 1969 to 1975 banknotes.

Canadian banknotes of 2018 to 2020

The 10-dollars banknote started with prefix FTW.

Canadian 10 dollars banknotes of 2017

This commemorative banknote started with CDA and ended with the rarer prefix CDF.

Canadian 20 dollars banknotes of 2015

This commemorative banknote started with FWS and ended with the rarer prefix FWW.

Canadian banknotes from 2011 to 2018

Canadian banknotes of 2001 and 2002

Canadian banknotes from 1986 to 1991

Extremely rare prefixes include: 2 dollars Thiessen-Crow AUG, AUH and AUJ, 5 dollars Bonin-Thiessen HNB, Crow-Bouey EPW and Thiessen-Crow GOG.

Canadian banknotes of 1979

Canadian banknotes from 1969 to 1975

Find out more about known asterisk and replacement 1969 to 1975 banknotes.

Canadian 1 dollar banknotes of 1967

A second version of this commemorative banknotenote, featuring the dates 1867-1967 in place of the serial numbers, was also issued.

Two Dollar Bill Serial Numbers Lookup Australia

Find out more about known asterisk and replacement 1967 Confederation banknotes.

Canadian banknotes of 1954 without the devil's face

Find out more about known asterisk and replacement of 1954 modified portrait banknotes.

Canadian banknotes of 1954 with the devil's face

Find out more about known asterisk and replacement of 1954 devil's face banknotes.

1976 $2 Dollar Bill Serial Number Lookup

Raised Printing

Paper

Federal Reserve Bank Seal

Treasury Seal

Portrait and Vignette

Serial Numbers

Raised Printing

Paper

Downloads

Play Money Coloring Sheets

$2 Note (1976-Present)

History

Featured

Noteworthy Podcast, Episode 1: Much Ado about the Two

$2 Note Life Cycle

Media

Bank of Canada serial number database

Canadian banknotes of 2018 to 2020

Canadian 10 dollars banknotes of 2017

Canadian 20 dollars banknotes of 2015

Canadian banknotes from 2011 to 2018

Canadian banknotes of 2001 and 2002

Canadian banknotes from 1986 to 1991

Canadian banknotes of 1979

Canadian banknotes from 1969 to 1975

Canadian 1 dollar banknotes of 1967

Two Dollar Bill Serial Numbers Lookup Australia

Canadian banknotes of 1954 without the devil's face

Canadian banknotes of 1954 with the devil's face

Canadian banknotes of 1937

Two Dollar Bill Serial Number Lookup Number

Canadian banknotes of 1935