Understanding the 1976 $2 Bill: History, Value, and What Makes It Special
The United States wasn’t always an independent country. It officially became one on July 4, 1776, when the Declaration of Independence was signed. Since then, the nation has gone through major challenges—wars, famines, and political struggles have shaped the world and America right along with it.
Every year, Americans celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and patriotic pride. But in 1976, the celebration was extra special—it marked 200 years of independence. To honor this milestone, the U.S. Mint released a redesigned $2 bill.
What’s Unique About the 1976 $2 Bill?
The front of the 1976 $2 bill still shows Thomas Jefferson, just like older versions. But the back is where the change happened. It features a detailed image of John Trumbull’s famous painting, “The Declaration of Independence,” showing the Founding Fathers presenting the document.
Here’s a fun fact: these bills are somewhat rare today because people didn’t use them much when they first came out. The U.S. was going through a recession, so most folks didn’t want to hang onto a $2 bill—it felt like too much money to set aside. Think of it like carrying around a $1,000 bill today—it just wouldn’t make much sense.
A Bit of Background on the 1976 Series
Congress approved the special $2 bill in the early 1970s, and it was officially released on July 5, 1976. Even though the bill is dated 1976, no more were printed until 1995. Many of these notes were never spent and remain in great condition.
Since they weren’t widely used, a lot of them stayed crisp and clean. But their charm and historical meaning have kept them popular among collectors.
How to Tell If a 1976 $2 Bill Is Valuable
If you have a 1976 $2 bill and wonder if it’s worth more than face value, here’s what collectors usually look for:
- Condition (Grade): Bills in better shape (no folds, no stains) are worth more.
- Serial Number: Special serial numbers—like ones that are very low, or have repeating patterns—can increase value.
- Signatures: If your bill has the signatures of Arthur Burns and Robert B. Anderson, it may be more valuable. These were the last to sign the 1976 series.
- Federal Reserve District: The U.S. has 12 Federal Reserve Banks that print money. Bills from districts with lower print counts can be rarer.
- Star Notes: These have a star (*) at the end of the serial number and were printed to replace defective bills. They’re rarer.
- Post Office Stamps: Some post offices stamped these bills on the first day of issue—those with stamps are considered collectibles.
How Much Is a 1976 $2 Bill Worth?
The value depends on condition, rarity, and collector interest. Here’s a general breakdown:
Low-Priced Bills (Under $20)
These are mostly used bills, with visible wear like creases or stains. Great for new collectors.
- Example: A very worn 1976 $2 bill might sell for around $5.
- An uncirculated (like-new) bill from Dallas (“K” district) might go for $9.90.
- A crisp, uncirculated Kansas City (“J”) note could sell for $16.50.
Mid-Range Bills ($20–$500)
These are in better shape or have special features like star notes or post office stamps.
- Example: A star note from New York might sell for $95.
- A high-grade note with a first-day stamp could go for $399.
- An autographed Kansas City star note can be priced at $257.
High-End Bills ($500–$2,500)
These bills are rare and often in mint condition. They may have very low serial numbers, special notes, or official grading.
- A perfectly preserved bill with an autograph and a star note might cost $850.
- A note with serial number 33 could sell for nearly $2,000.
- A pair of consecutive serial numbers might go for over $2,000.
Top-Tier Collectibles ($2,500 and up)
These are extremely rare and highly sought-after by serious collectors. Some are still in original packs.
- A full pack of 100 uncirculated notes could fetch $3,450.
- A note with serial number “00000002” was once sold for $9,400.
- A serial number “00000001” note from San Francisco went for over $21,000.
- The only known star note with serial number 1 in private hands sold for $35,250.
FAQs About 1976 $2 Bills
How can I tell if mine is a star note?
Look at the serial number. If there’s a star symbol at the end, it’s a star note.
Are there any printing errors to watch for?
Yes! Errors like mismatched serial numbers, missing parts of the design, or miscuts are rare and valuable.
How do I know if my bill is real?
Check for standard features like clear printing, correct paper texture, and serial number formatting. You can also look for details like microprinting or security threads, though those were limited back then.
Final Thoughts
The 1976 $2 bill is more than just currency—it’s a piece of history. Whether you’re starting your collection or you’re a seasoned collector, there’s something fascinating about owning a piece of America’s bicentennial celebration.
Even if your budget is small, there are options to explore. And if you’re looking to invest in a rare item, high-end bills can be impressive showpieces. Just make sure to learn the basics, avoid fakes, and enjoy the thrill of collecting.
Happy collecting.
THANK YOU. FOR GREAT INFORMATIONS. FROM. D.E .GLOVER SR. ☆☆☆ BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA ☆☆
I have three two dollars bills 1976. I called a lot of places the person said they are no good. I look them on line and it said they are good worth money. What do I do
I had the same problem with a coin shop they told me Mr red 2$star note was just a bill tell me he would give 20$ so I got my stuff and told him lie to someone else i not dumb bro he shoved the bill back at told me I had nothing ok at the end I go 8000.for it even the back side was different than the others 2$ bill he tried to rip me off did work I did my homework on this bill
Where did you sell yours I have one as well with the red note ?
Why is it that your articles never state the reason why the bill or coin was sold for such a high price? It’s great you list the history and all but I know that information. I read the article to find out what cause the increase in value.
How do you go about finding a buyer for all this stuff I have a $2 bill and I also got a whole bunch of the bicentennial quarters
What are you asking for your hoard of bicentennial currency. Have you had any appraisal’s on them? Where are you located in our wonderful country(state is enough) so I can figure out if it’s worth my time and effort.
Thank you for your time. Dan
That’s what I’ve been wanting to know because I’ve got quite a few really highly saute after bill’s coin’s and some realy big mistakes from the mint that i know that’s worth money some I think that’s Worth bigger money? So if anyone who would want to look at them or buy them I’m trying to come up with some money for a house for a house for me I lost my job at no fault of mine long story but now I’m sleeping in my car and working every day thank you God bless
If you are wanting to sell some coins, let me know
Where can you sell these $2 dollar bills?
Where can you sell the $2 dollar 💵 bills?
I have a 1985 nickel on the back when it was a blank somebody stamped George Bush then the US mint stamped the building over top of it and the letters. I’ve got a $2 bill h08754903 A the 1976 got a 1995 f02713-701b.
I have a rare stamped 1976 2 dollar bill. I actually have two, in sequence… Black J.
Made in Kansas City Missouri. Any takesr
Please provide information on where to get these appraised and sold ?
In NYC people are so dishonest and I feel I have a rare $2 bill , but I have no idea where to attempt to sell this ?
I am behind in rent so this could potentially help me . Thank you so much
Thank you for the education of the coins but what I need to know is where do you sell them who do you sell them to i have a lot of error coins in all different years I have I have error pennys dimes with Aw on them where the mint mark is supposed to be
I have a few of those bicentennial quarters the rare ones
I have 100 $2 bill brand new and some has a star. 90% of them are sequentially numbered. Where can I sell them or get them appraised?
Thank you
What do you want for them?
I have plenty of old and world coins,who or where can I sell them ?
I have a sheet of uncut 1976 star note 2 dollar bills how much are they worth.
I too have some rare/ misprint coins and some $2 bills I am keen to get a true value for….every time I take them somewhere, they offer they standard 20$ and say I have nothing. So I know they are worth something. My father and I used to go to coin shows and he gave me a few of these so some are very old as well. Please advise where to sell and or find out how much they are worth….thank you!!
I have $2 Bills that are in sequence, some four times. Some three times and some two times! Not only are they in sequence, they are in like new condition with no folds and no wrinkles! I have photo’s for your viewing pleasure.
According to Jeffery T. Poss my bills are
High-End Bills ($500–$2,500)
He said this above, (A pair of consecutive serial numbers might go for over $2,000.)