Quick Answer: Yes! The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing still produces $2 bills. The most recent series is 2017A, and there are over 1.4 billion $2 bills in circulation. They seem rare because people save them instead of spending them.
One of the most common questions about American currency is whether $2 bills are still being made. The answer is a definitive yes, but the reasons they seem rare are fascinating. If you're wondering are $2 bills worth anything, the answer depends on the specific bill.
$2 Bills Are Still Being Printed
Current Production Status
The $2 bill is actively printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) based on Federal Reserve demand.
Recent series years:
- 2017A (current)
- 2017
- 2013
- 2009
- 2003A
- 2003
How Many $2 Bills Exist?
| Statistic | Number |
|---|---|
| Total $2 bills in circulation | ~1.4 billion |
| Value in circulation | ~$2.8 billion |
| Percentage of all currency | About 1% |
| Annual printing (varies) | 45-150 million |
Sources: Federal Reserve Currency in Circulation, BEP Annual Production Reports
We track BEP production data closely for CashScan's database, and the numbers confirm that $2 bills are still being printed in regular production runs. For comparison, there are about 13.1 billion $1 bills in circulation.
Why $2 Bills Seem Rare
The Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
Here's the irony: $2 bills seem rare because people THINK they're rare. This creates a cycle:
- Person receives a $2 bill
- They think "This is rare, I should keep it"
- They put it away instead of spending it
- Fewer $2 bills circulate
- Next person thinks "I never see these, so they must be rare!"
- Cycle repeats
Banks Don't Stock Many
Most bank tellers don't keep $2 bills in their drawers because:
- Customers rarely ask for them
- They take up valuable drawer space
- Change-making is simpler without them
- Demand is low
However, you can request $2 bills at most banks! They'll order them for you.
Cash Registers Lack a Slot
Standard cash register drawers have slots for: $1, $5, $10, $20, sometimes $50 and $100. There's no dedicated $2 bill slot, making them inconvenient for cashiers who must file them awkwardly.
The Novelty Factor
$2 bills have become novelty items:
- Given as gifts
- Used for tips (memorable for servers)
- Kept as "lucky" bills
- Collected by hobbyists
This removes them from circulation faster than other denominations.
History of $2 Bill Production
Timeline of Production
| Era | Status |
|---|---|
| 1862 | First $2 bill issued |
| 1862-1966 | Continuous production |
| 1966-1976 | Production stopped |
| 1976-Present | Production resumed |
The 1966-1976 Gap
The Treasury stopped printing $2 bills in August 1966 due to:
- Low public demand
- Cost of maintaining a denomination few used
- Banks returning piles of unwanted $2 bills
The 1976 Revival
For America's Bicentennial, the Treasury redesigned and reissued the $2 bill:
- New back design (Declaration of Independence signing)
- Release date: April 13, 1976 (Thomas Jefferson's birthday)
- Massive public interest led to hoarding
- Production has continued ever since
Why the Government Keeps Making $2 Bills
Despite low circulation, $2 bills make economic sense:
Cost Efficiency
- Printing one $2 bill costs the same as printing one $1 bill
- But it's worth twice as much!
- Replacing two $1 bills with one $2 reduces total bills needed
Durability
- All bills wear out eventually
- Fewer bills handling the same value = longer overall lifespan
- $2 bills theoretically reduce replacement costs
Legal Tender Status
- The denomination exists, so it must remain available
- Discontinuing would require congressional action
- No political will to eliminate it
How to Get $2 Bills
From Your Bank
Steps:
- Walk into your bank
- Ask the teller for $2 bills
- They may have some on hand or can order them
- Large quantities may take a few days to arrive
Tip: Ask for uncirculated packs if you want crisp, new bills.
From the Federal Reserve
Businesses can order $2 bills directly through their bank's Federal Reserve connection. Standard "straps" contain 100 bills ($200 face value).
From Currency Dealers
For collectors, dealers sell:
- Specific series years
- Star notes
- Consecutive serial numbers
- Uncirculated bundles
- Graded notes
At Monticello
Thomas Jefferson's historic home in Virginia sells $2 bills as souvenirs, a fitting location given Jefferson is on the bill!
Spending $2 Bills
They're 100% Legal Tender
Despite occasional confusion, $2 bills must be accepted anywhere that accepts cash. They're legal tender for all debts, public and private.
Common Spending Problems
Sometimes $2 bills cause issues:
- Young cashiers who've never seen one
- Suspicion of counterfeiting
- Confusion about denomination
- Cash registers without a slot
If a business refuses your $2 bill:
- Politely explain it's legal U.S. currency
- Show them the Treasury seal and serial number
- Ask for a manager if needed
- (But maybe just use a different bill to avoid hassle)
Fun Uses for $2 Bills
- Tips: Memorable for servers, bartenders, valets
- Gifts: Unique and thoughtful
- Tooth Fairy: Special for kids
- Tracking: Some organizations use them to trace economic impact
- Good luck charms: Popular belief in many cultures
The Future of $2 Bills
Will They Ever Be Discontinued?
Probably not. Here's why:
- Cost to eliminate: Updating vending machines, registers, accounting systems
- Collector backlash: Numismatists would protest
- No strong opposition: They don't cause problems
- Tradition: Part of American currency history
Could They Become More Popular?
Some advocates push for more $2 bill usage:
- Would reduce $1 bill printing
- More efficient for transactions
- Already used in other countries (€2, £2, etc.)
However, cards and digital payments make this argument less relevant each year.
$2 Bill Myths Debunked
Myth: "$2 bills are discontinued"
Truth: They're still printed. Most recent series is 2017A.
Myth: "$2 bills are rare"
Truth: 1.4 billion exist. They just don't circulate much.
Myth: "$2 bills are worth more than $2"
Truth: Most are worth exactly $2. Only old series, star notes, and fancy serial numbers have premiums.
Myth: "Businesses don't have to accept $2 bills"
Truth: They're legal tender and must be accepted for debts.
Myth: "$2 bills bring bad luck"
Truth: Actually, many cultures consider them GOOD luck! This varies by tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the last $2 bill printed?
The most recent series is 2017A, but printing dates vary. Bills are printed continuously as the Federal Reserve orders them.
How much is a new $2 bill worth?
A new, uncirculated 2017A $2 bill is worth exactly $2. Collectors might pay $3-$5 for crisp uncirculated examples, but that's mainly for the novelty.
Can I get $2 bills from an ATM?
Almost never. ATMs stock $20s (primarily) and sometimes $10s, $50s, or $100s. $2 bills aren't practical for ATM dispensing.
Why don't stores give $2 bills as change?
No space in cash drawers, cashier unfamiliarity, and accounting complications. It's simpler to use two $1 bills.
Are $2 bills being phased out?
No. There are no plans to discontinue the $2 bill. This rumor has circulated for decades but has never been true.
How can I tell if my $2 bill is new or old?
Check the series year on the front. 2003-2017A are modern. 1976-1995 are older but common. 1928-1963 (red seal) are collectible. Pre-1928 (large size) are valuable. See our complete guide on how much $2 bills are worth for detailed values by series.
Conclusion
Yes, $2 bills are still made, and they're not rare; they're just hoarded! The next time someone tells you $2 bills don't exist anymore, you'll know the truth.
If you want some $2 bills, just ask your bank. They're available, legal, and honestly underrated. Maybe if more people spent them, they wouldn't seem so unusual!
Curious about the $2 bill in your wallet? Scan it with CashScan to learn its series year, identify any special features, and discover if it might be worth more than face value.
Download CashScan free on the App Store to identify any banknote.
