Rare and Defunct U.S. Bill Denominations No Longer in Circulation: A Look at Six Ex-Treasuries
U.S.$2 Bills: A Rarity in Circulation
Since the Civil War, the U.S. Treasury has been consistently printing the U.S.$2 bill, with around 1.7 billion of them in circulation as of 2024. Despite the presence of these bills, the average American might go years without encountering one, as they are not typically found outside the hands of brokers, dealers, and collectors. Unlike the familiar Benjamin Franklins and Andrew Jacksons, the $2 bill features portraits of Thomas Jefferson.
First issued in 1862, the $2 bill originally bore Alexander Hamilton's likeness but was later redesigned with Jefferson's portrait. A stunning reproduction of John Trumbull's painting, "Declaration of Independence," adorns the reverse side of the bill. Although the $2 bill remains in circulation and is legal tender, it is the least commonly used denomination in the U.S., with only 1.7 billion currently circulating.
While other paper denominations have been discontinued, the $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, and even the larger $500 and $1,000 bills have all, at one point, been printed by the U.S. Treasury. The $10,000 bill, the largest denomination ever printed for public circulation, is no longer in circulation. Interestingly, a collector cannot legally hold a $100,000 bill, while a $500 or $1,000 bill may be worth more than its face value as a collector's item.
As for the notable figures behind the U.S. dollar bills, here's a brief rundown:
- $1 bill: George Washington
- $2 bill: Thomas Jefferson
- $5 bill: Abraham Lincoln
- $10 bill: Alexander Hamilton
- $20 bill: Andrew Jackson
- $50 bill: Ulysses S. Grant
- $100 bill: Benjamin Franklin
In other coin-related news, the U.S. Mint has discontinued the production of several coins over the years, such as the half-cent, two-cent, three-cent, and twenty-cent coins, among others. However, the $2 bill continues to be a rare yet legitimate form of currency in the U.S.
- The $2 bill, a rarity in circulation, features Thomas Jefferson's portrait, making it unique among the familiar U.S. dollar bills.
- Investors interested in expanding their trading portfolios might find the uncommon $2 bill an intriguing addition to their personal-finance investment strategies.
- In the realm of lifestyle and education-and-self-development, understanding the history and significance of the $2 bill can offer interesting insights into U.S. finance and economics.
- General-news outlets often report on the value of collector's items, and the $2 bill, though legal tender, may garner attention as its rarity grows.
- Sports enthusiasts, too, might find the $2 bill a conversation starter, adding an element of entertainment to everyday finance exchanges.
- Technology has revolutionized many aspects of our lives, including finance and trading. Despite being centuries-old, the $2 bill remains relevant in the contemporary finance and business world.
