Heidi and Frank: A 1976 $2 Bill Sells for $35,250

The Story Behind the 1976 $2 Bill — And Why It Could Be Worth More Than You Think

The United States didn’t always stand as the independent nation we know today. That status was officially declared on July 4, 1776, with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Since then, America has weathered wars, economic downturns, and major political shifts—moments that have shaped its place in the world.

Every year, Americans celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, barbecues, and red-white-and-blue everything. But in 1976, the celebration had extra weight: it was the bicentennial, marking 200 years of U.S. independence. To honor the occasion, the U.S. Treasury brought back a lesser-seen piece of currency—the $2 bill—with a fresh new design.

What Makes the 1976 $2 Bill Special?

At first glance, the front of the bill looks familiar: Thomas Jefferson remains the face of the $2 denomination. But flip it over, and you'll spot the major change—the back features John Trumbull’s iconic painting, "The Declaration of Independence," depicting the presentation of the document to the Continental Congress. This powerful image gave the bicentennial note both visual impact and historical significance.

Despite the redesign, the 1976 $2 bill never gained widespread use. At the time, the U.S. economy was in a slump, and the idea of spending a $2 bill felt impractical—almost like walking around with a $1000 note today. As a result, many bills were set aside and preserved rather than circulated.

A Bit of Background

Congress approved the reissue of the $2 bill in the early 1970s, and it was officially released on July 5, 1976—the day after the bicentennial celebrations. Even though they’re dated 1976, no new bills of this series were printed again until 1995.

Because of their low usage, a surprising number of these notes are still in pristine condition, tucked away in drawers or collected over the decades. Their combination of historical importance and limited circulation has made them increasingly attractive to collectors.

Is Your 1976 $2 Bill Worth More Than Face Value?

If you’ve held on to a 1976 $2 bill—or found one recently—you might be wondering what it’s worth. Here's what collectors consider when assessing its value:

Condition (Grade): Crisp, uncirculated bills are worth more than worn ones.
Serial Number: Notes with low numbers, patterns, or repeats can significantly increase value.
Signatures: Bills signed by Arthur Burns and Robert B. Anderson (the final signers of the 1976 series) are especially sought-after.
Federal Reserve District: Some districts printed fewer bills. Notes from those are rarer.
Star Notes: These have a star (*) at the end of the serial number and were printed to replace defective bills—making them scarcer.
First Day Postal Stamps: Some bills were stamped at post offices on July 5, 1976. These limited-edition pieces are collector gold.

What’s the 1976 $2 Bill Worth Today?

The value of your bill depends on a mix of rarity, condition, and special features. Here's a general pricing breakdown:

💵 Lower-Value Notes (Under $20):

Circulated bills with visible wear go for around $5.
A crisp, uncirculated bill from Dallas (“K” district) may sell for $9.90.
A pristine Kansas City note (“J” district) could fetch $16.50.

💵💵 Mid-Range Bills ($20–$500):

Star notes and first-day stamped bills typically fall in this range.
A New York star note? About $95.
A high-grade, stamped note? Up to $399.
An autographed Kansas City star note? Around $257.

💵💵💵 High-Value Notes ($500–$2,500):

These are mint-condition notes with unique features—think low serial numbers, autographs, or professional grading.
A pristine star note with an autograph? About $850.
Serial number “33”? Nearly $2,000.
A pair of consecutive rare serials? Over $2,000.

💰 Top-Tier Treasures ($2,500 and Up):

Full packs of 100 uncirculated notes can reach $3,450.
Serial number “00000002”? It sold for $9,400.
Serial number “00000001” from San Francisco? Over $21,000.
The rarest privately owned star note with serial number 1 fetched a whopping $35,250.

Final Thoughts

While the $2 bill might not be something you see every day, the 1976 version holds a special place in American history—and potentially in your wallet. Whether you're a longtime collector or just curious about the value of a bill passed down from a grandparent, now might be a good time to take a closer look.

Got one of these rare bills? You could be holding more than just a quirky piece of currency—you might have a piece of history worth hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars.