Hey there, fellow currency enthusiasts! Today we‘re diving into the intriguing world of the 1995 2 dollar bill. While these bills are often overlooked, they can actually be quite valuable in certain cases. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore what makes a 1995 2 dollar bill special and how you can determine if you have a valuable one on your hands.
First off, let‘s talk about why the 1995 series is notable. The 1995 2 dollar bills were the first series of the modern 2 dollar denomination printed since 1976. They feature Thomas Jefferson on the front and the famous painting Declaration of Independence on the back.
While series 1995 2 dollar notes are still in circulation today, they make up only a tiny fraction of the paper money floating around out there. In fact, 2 dollar bills account for less than 1% of all U.S. currency production each year! So just by virtue of being a 2 dollar bill, the 1995 series is already a bit scarce.
Regular Issue 1995 2 Dollar Bills
For the 1995 series, regular issue 2 dollar bills were only printed for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. You can tell these regular issues apart by the "F" and "A" bookends on the serial number (example: F12345678A).
Now here‘s the bad news – the vast majority of circulated 1995 2 dollar bills are only going to be worth their face value of $2. Even crisp uncirculated bills struggle to sell for more than $5-10 unless the condition is absolutely perfect.
However, uncirculated 1995 2 dollar bills in pristine condition can sell for a decent premium. Bills graded Gem Uncirculated 65 or higher by third party grading services like PCGS and PMG routinely sell for $20-$30. In 2021, a pack of 100 consecutive 1995 2 dollar bills graded Gem Uncirculated sold for $349!
1995 2 Dollar Star Notes
When it comes to the 1995 series, collectors get much more excited about star notes. Star notes are replacement bills printed to replace misprints or damaged currency. You can identify them by the star * symbol at the end of the serial number.
Approximately 1.2 million 1995 2 dollar star notes were printed for circulation. Again, these were only printed for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. Average circulated 1995 star notes might fetch $10-25 to the right buyer. Meanwhile, uncirculated and consecutively numbered star notes can bring substantially more.
In a 2022 Heritage Auction, a lot of five consecutive 1995 2 dollar star notes graded Choice Uncirculated 64 sold for $175. Individual Gem Uncirculated star notes graded 66 or higher routinely sell for $50-$150. The all-time auction record for a single 1995 2 dollar star note is $1,150 in 2015 for a PCGS graded Perfect New 70!
1995 2 Dollar Millennium Notes
Perhaps the most coveted of all 1995 2 dollar bills are the limited edition Millennium notes. In the year 2000, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing offered special 12-note Millennium sets to collectors. These sets contained crisp 2 dollar star notes from all 12 Federal Reserve districts.
The 12 districts are labeled by the letters A-L at the start of the serial number, followed by the number "2000", a 4-digit number between 0001-9999, and a star *. With only 9,999 sets printed, these Millennium star notes are exceedingly rare today!
A full 12-note Millennium set in flawless uncirculated condition sold for a staggering $12,650 in a 2016 auction. Even individual 1995 Millennium star notes are highly sought after. In 2020, a single Millennium star note from the New York district (B*) graded Uncirculated 69 sold for $2,500!
Fancy Serial Numbers
As with many other types of currency, 2 dollar bills with unique or "fancy" serial numbers are also quite collectible. Some of the most desirable fancy serial numbers include:
- Solid digits (e.g. F11111111A)
- Radar (palindrome) numbers (e.g. F12344321A)
- Ladder numbers ascending or descending (e.g. F12345678A or F87654321A)
- Repeaters (e.g. F12121212A)
- Low serial numbers (especially 00000001-00000100)
- Birthday notes (e.g. F19952 for someone born in 1995)
These types of fancy serial numbers on 1995 2 dollar bills can sell for anywhere from $50 for a simple repeater to over $500 for a coveted radar or solid serial star note in uncirculated condition. Recently in 2022, a 1995 2 dollar bill with solid serial number F55555555A in Gem Uncirculated condition sold for an impressive $555.
Error Notes
Error currency refers to bills with printing mistakes like misalignments, ink smears, missing features, etc. Some famous error varieties for the 1995 2 dollar series include mismatched serial numbers, missing security threads, and misaligned seals.
Depending on the severity and visual appeal, error notes can sometimes command stunning premiums. In 2009, a 1995 2 dollar bill with a dramatic overprint error sold for $1,265! However, more minor errors are much more common and sell in the $20-$100 range.
How to Find Valuable 1995 2 dollar Bills
Now that you know what to look for, here are some tips for finding those elusive and valuable 1995 2 dollar bills:
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Always check your pocket change and save any 2 dollar bill that pops up, especially if it‘s a 1995. You never know when you might get lucky with a fancy serial number or star note!
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Ask your bank teller if they have any uncirculated 1995 2 dollar bills in the vault. You may have to pay a small premium, but starting your collection with crisp uncirculated notes is always best.
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Browse the paper money section of your local coin shop. Many dealers set aside star notes, fancy serial numbers, and error notes they come across. Of course, you‘ll pay full retail prices here.
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Consider attending a regional coin and currency show. These events bring together dozens of specialized currency dealers under one roof. It‘s a great way to see many rare 2 dollar bills in person and compare prices.
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Check online marketplaces like eBay, Etsy, and dedicated currency trading sites. Thousands of 2 dollar bill listings are posted online every day, including many rare varieties. But be sure to only buy from reputable sellers and study the photos closely!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are all 1995 2 dollar bills valuable?
A: No, the vast majority of standard 1995 2 dollar bills are still only worth their $2 face value if they‘ve been circulated. Uncirculated bills and star notes are the most likely to carry premiums.
Q: How can I tell if my 1995 2 dollar bill is uncirculated?
A: Uncirculated bills will be crisp with perfect edges and corners. They should have no folds, creases, or signs of wear. The printing will be vivid and the paper will have an original sheen. If your bill looks like it‘s been handled at all, it‘s probably circulated.
Q: Is it worth getting my 1995 2 dollar bill professionally graded?
A: For the most valuable varieties like the 1995 Millennium star notes, certification from PCGS or PMG can increase market value and liquidity substantially. Grading is usually only worth it for uncirculated notes, and economy service levels start around $30 per note. Unless your bill is extremely rare or valuable, grading circulated notes is not usually cost effective.
Q: Where can I find 1995 2 dollar bills for sale?
A: Some great places to look include your local coin shop, coin shows, online currency marketplaces like eBay, and dedicated trading groups on Facebook and collector forums. Some collectors also have luck asking their bank tellers for older series 2 dollar bills that may be in the vault.
The Bottom Line
While 1995 2 dollar bills aren‘t super rare in general, certain varieties are definitely worth holding onto and collecting. If you find any uncirculated notes, star notes, Millennium notes, fancy serial numbers, or error bills, be sure to set them aside!
With this guide in hand, you‘re now ready to embark on the exciting journey of collecting 1995 2 dollar bills. Whether you‘re starting a set of Millennium notes or just keeping your eyes peeled for something special, collecting these modern 2 dollar bills can be both fun and rewarding.
So get out there, start checking your change, and happy collecting! And remember, if you come across any other useful information about these notes, I‘d love to hear about it in the comments.
Until next time, fellow currency enthusiasts!
