2017A $2 Bill With Rare Serial Number Now Valued: Many people often ignore the humble $2 bill, thinking it’s just another piece of currency. But did you know that one specific $2 bill from the 2017A series is now worth over $85,000—and it could still be out there in circulation? Yes, a simple piece of money you might use to buy a cup of coffee could actually be a rare collector’s item.
This incredible value isn’t just because it’s old or from a famous era—it’s because of its serial number.
Why the 2017A $2 Bill is Special
The 2017A $2 bill is a relatively recent release by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. On the surface, it doesn’t look different from any other $2 note. It features Thomas Jefferson on the front and the painting “The Signing of the Declaration of Independence” on the back. However, what sets this bill apart is its rare serial number.
Currency collectors (called numismatists) often seek out “fancy serial numbers”—those with special patterns, repetitions, or historical significance. In this case, a very specific 2017A $2 bill printed at the Fort Worth facility caught attention. It features an unusual serial number format and was part of a limited run that had printing errors or inconsistencies, making it extremely rare.
What Makes a Serial Number Valuable?
Serial numbers on currency are more than just a tracking method. Collectors love serial numbers that are:
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Low numbers (e.g., 00000001)
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Repeater numbers (e.g., 12121212)
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Palindromes (e.g., 12344321)
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Solid numbers (e.g., 55555555)
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Binary (e.g., 01010101)
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Ladders (e.g., 12345678 or 87654321)
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Birthday notes (e.g., 07042076 for July 4, 1776)
If your $2 bill has any of these kinds of serial numbers—especially if it’s a 2017A series—it could be worth far more than face value.
How One $2 Bill Reached $85,000+
According to collectors and auction sites, one particular 2017A $2 bill with a rare serial number misprint and extremely low quantity in circulation has fetched offers upwards of $85,000. This occurred because:
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Only a small batch was released with this specific error.
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The notes were accidentally circulated before being detected.
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Most were not recovered, so very few remain.
Collectors worldwide are now on the hunt to track these down, hoping to find one in an old wallet, change jar, or tucked away in a drawer.
How to Check If Your $2 Bill is Rare
Look for these signs:
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Check the Series: It should be from 2017A.
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Inspect the Serial Number: Fancy patterns or extremely low numbers are key.
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Check the Federal Reserve District: Some rare notes are printed in specific districts like “B” (New York) or “F” (Atlanta).
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Look for Errors: Misprints, ink smears, or misaligned text can increase value.
If you suspect your bill is rare, get it graded by a professional currency grader like PMG (Paper Money Guaranty) or PCGS Currency.
Table: Types of Rare Serial Numbers
| Serial Number Type | Example | Estimated Value (for $2 bill) |
|---|---|---|
| Low Serial Number | 00000001 | $10,000–$20,000+ |
| Solid Number | 77777777 | $5,000–$15,000 |
| Ladder | 12345678 | $7,000–$12,000 |
| Birthday Note | 07041776 | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Error Note | Offset Printing | $15,000–$85,000+ |
| Repeater | 12121212 | $2,000–$8,000 |
| Palindrome | 12344321 | $3,000–$6,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How can I know if my $2 bill is worth money?
Check the serial number, condition, and series date. Bills with rare serial numbers or printing errors are usually worth more.
Q2. Where can I sell a rare $2 bill?
You can sell it on auction websites like eBay, or through a currency dealer or numismatic auction house.
Q3. Are all 2017A $2 bills valuable?
No, only specific ones with rare serial numbers or errors are valuable.
Q4. How many of the rare 2017A $2 bills exist?
Exact numbers are unknown, but experts believe fewer than 100 with specific rare traits are still in circulation.
Q5. Is it legal to sell U.S. currency for more than its face value?
Yes. It is legal to sell collectible currency to collectors at market value.
Final Thought
Most of us don’t pay much attention to the cash in our wallets, especially something as overlooked as a $2 bill. But the story of the 2017A $2 bill shows us that treasure can be hiding in plain sight. That crumpled note in your drawer or between the pages of an old book might just be worth thousands—or even $85,000.
So, next time you come across a $2 bill, don’t spend it just yet. Give it a closer look. You might be holding a small piece of paper with a big story—and an even bigger value.