Hi friend! If you‘ve come across any 1976-dated $2 bills, you may be wondering – what makes them rare and valuable? As a seasoned numismatist, let me provide you with a detailed guide.
In a nutshell, most 1976 $2 bills are very common and only worth face value. But some specific varieties with printing errors, special serial numbers, pristine condition or other attributes can make them highly valuable to collectors and investors.
How Rare are 1976 $2 Bills Overall?
The 1976 $2 bill marks the bicentennial of American independence. The US Treasury Department released the first of these notes into circulation on April 13, 1976.
A staggering 1,588,046,000 series 1976 $2 bills were printed – the highest amount for any $2 bill series. With massive numbers produced, most 1976 $2 bills are not scarce.
However, scarcity and demand is created for bills with specific rare attributes covered in this guide. Out of the 1.5 billion printed, only a tiny fraction have valuable errors, serial numbers or grades.
While no $2 bills were printed in 1975, the 1976 design otherwise followed previous series starting in 1928. Let‘s examine what makes some so special.
Valuable Errors and Varieties
Here are the main factors that give a 1976 $2 bill value:
Double Serial Number Errors
The most dramatic and famous error on 1976 $2 bills is the double (or duplicate) serial number variety. Serial numbers help identify and track individual notes.
Normally the serial number at the top left and bottom right of the bill‘s face match. But due to a printing mishap, some 1976 $2 bills inexplicably have two totally different serial numbers.
The total number of these error notes found is very small. Out of 1.5 billion printed, only a few hundred have been verified and accounted for by collectors. Rarity equals value – circulating grade double serial 1976 $2 bills tend to auction for $500 to $900. In uncirculated condition they can fetch well over $2,000!
Mismatched Plate Number Errors
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- Program launched by the Swiss government and International Organization for Migration in 2017.
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- Program is limited in scope but offers a creative approach to promote voluntary returns and provide reintegration aid. Further study of long-term impacts needed.
