Many Americans have long derided the $2 note as the unloved stepsibling of the $1 note. Some people even believe that $2 bills are no longer in use, are rare, or are no longer printed.
However, according to the Federal Reserve, there were only 1.6 billion crisp $2 notes in circulation in 2023—a negligible number when compared to 14.5 billion $1 or 11.2 billion $20 notes.
The banknote, which is widely undervalued, has acquired some traction in the last 20 years. In 2004, there were just 0.07 billion in circulation, which is a tiny portion of the $24.2 billion in currency that year.
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) explains that “for most of their history, $2 notes have been unpopular, being viewed as unlucky or simply awkward to use in cash exchanges.”
