While the typical $2 bill is indeed valued at two dollars, there are exceptions to this norm, especially among collectors who seek distinct bills and coins. These currency items may include rare runs, special anniversary mintings, or those carrying exceptionally low serial numbers.
Recently, Heritage Auctions featured a $2 bill from 2003 with an unusually low serial number that fetched a staggering $2,400. Subsequently, it was resold for $4,000, demonstrating the unexpected value certain bills can hold among collectors.
Collectors’ interest isn’t solely limited to special runs or anniversary coins. Some highly sought-after items include misprinted coins, such as a 2005 quarter from Kansas that reads ‘In God We Rust’ due to an error at the mint. These quirky coins have fetched up to $100 due to their unusual misprint.
Misprints on dollar bills also hold considerable value, with a 2006 misprinted bill fetching up to $200. There’s a particular fascination in the collector community for error-stricken bills, often making them more valuable than their correctly printed counterparts.
Interestingly, serial numbers play a crucial role in determining a bill’s collectible value. Bills with unique number combinations, especially ‘ladder bills’ featuring ascending or descending sequences, hold value. ‘Perfect ladders,’ exemplified by sequences like 12345678 or 87654321, can reach prices upwards of $5,000.
However, the most significant disparity between a bill’s face value and its collector’s value belongs to the 1792 Birch Cent. As the first cent struck by the United States mint, only ten are known to exist.
These rare coins, likely handled by notable historical figures like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, have commanded exorbitant prices, with one such coin selling at auction for nearly $2.6 million in 2015, showcasing the considerable worth these historical artifacts hold in the eyes of collectors.
