2013 Two Dollar Bill Value Guide

Understanding the 2013 Two Dollar Bill

The 2013 two dollar bill is one of the most misunderstood denominations in U.S. currency. While many people believe these bills are rare and valuable, the reality is more nuanced. The 2013 series features the signatures of Treasurer Rosie Rios and Treasury Secretary Jacob "Jack" Lew, distinguishing it from other series.

According to Federal Reserve data, over $2.1 billion in two dollar bills were in circulation as of 2013, representing approximately 1 billion individual notes. Despite continuous production since 1976 (when the denomination was reintroduced), $2 bills remain uncommon in everyday transactions, leading to the misconception that they're rare.

Are 2013 Two Dollar Bills Rare?

Standard 2013 series two dollar bills are not rare. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing produced millions of these notes. However, specific varieties within the 2013 series can be quite scarce:

• Star notes with print runs under 640,000
• Bills with fancy serial numbers (ladders, radars, solid numbers)
• Notes with printing errors
• High-grade uncirculated examples (PMG 67+)

Series Year vs. Print Year

An important clarification: the "Series 2013" designation refers to when the design was approved and corresponds to the treasury officials' signatures, not when the bill was actually printed. According to Bureau of Engraving and Printing records, no $2 bills were printed in fiscal year 2013. The 2013 two dollar bills were actually manufactured in fiscal years 2014 and 2015, as the 2012 production run was sufficient to meet demand through 2013.

How Condition Affects 2013 $2 Bill Value

Condition is the single most important factor in determining how much a 2013 two dollar bill is worth. Paper money is graded on a 70-point scale, similar to coin grading:

The "Value Cliff" Phenomenon

In paper money collecting, there's a dramatic value drop between uncirculated and circulated notes. A 2013 $2 bill with a fancy serial number might sell for $500 in gem condition but only $50 with a single fold. This makes proper storage and handling crucial for maintaining value.

Star Notes: The Replacement Note Premium

Star notes are replacement bills printed to substitute for defective notes discovered during production. Instead of the standard suffix letter, these bills have a star symbol (★) at the end of the serial number. This makes them instantly identifiable and adds significant collector value to 2013 two dollar bill star notes.

Why Star Notes Are Valuable

Star note production runs are typically much smaller than regular production. The rarity of a particular star note depends on its print run:

• Print runs over 3.2 million: Common, worth $5-$15 uncirculated
• Print runs of 640,000 or less: Rare, worth $25-$160+ uncirculated
• Print runs under 100,000: Extremely rare, potentially $500+

Known 2013 Star Note Print Runs

Based on Bureau of Engraving and Printing data and collector databases:

• New York (B★): 3.2 million notes - relatively common
• Atlanta (F★): 640,000 notes - rare and collectible
• Dallas (K★): Various runs, some smaller batches are scarce

For precise print run data on your specific star note, consult resources like MyCurrencyCollection.com or the comprehensive database at SerialWorth.com.

Fancy Serial Numbers Worth Money

The serial number on your 2013 two dollar bill can dramatically affect its value. Certain number patterns are highly sought after by collectors. Here's a comprehensive guide to fancy serial numbers and their typical values in uncirculated condition:

The Multiplier Effect: Star Notes with Fancy Serials

When a 2013 two dollar bill star note also has a fancy serial number, the value compounds significantly. For example:

• Regular binary note: $100
• Binary star note (B00001100★): $292.50 (PMG 35)

This "multiplier effect" demonstrates why it's crucial to check both for the star symbol and interesting serial number patterns.

Printing Errors and Varieties

Printing errors can transform an ordinary 2013 $2 bill into a highly valuable collectible. The value of error notes depends on how obvious and dramatic the mistake is. Errors requiring expert knowledge to identify typically have smaller markets than visually striking mistakes.

Types of Valuable Printing Errors

1. Miscut and Misalignment Errors

These occur when the paper is improperly positioned during cutting. Minor miscuts add little value, but severe misalignment showing portions of adjacent bills can be worth $100-$1,500+. A dramatically miscut 2013 $2 bill recently listed for $1,499 on eBay.

2. Fold Errors (Gutter Folds)

When paper enters the printing press already folded, ink cannot print on the folded section, creating a blank stripe when the bill is flattened. These "gutter fold" errors are highly collectible, with values ranging from $200-$2,000+ depending on severity and location.

3. Ink Errors

• Insufficient inking: Faded or missing design elements ($50-$300)
• Ink smears: Wet ink dragged across the note ($25-$150)
• Offset printing: Reversed image transferred to wrong side ($100-$500+)

4. Overprint Errors (Third Printing)

The serial numbers and seals are added in a third printing stage. Errors in this stage include:

• Shifted overprint: Seals and serial numbers misaligned ($50-$300)
• Inverted overprint: Upside-down seals and numbers ($500-$2,000+)
• Mismatched serial numbers: Two different serial numbers on same bill ($1,000-$5,000+) - extremely rare

The "Dark vs. Light Portrait" Variety

Numismatist Eduardo A. Náter discovered an interesting variety in 2013 series $2 bills: some notes feature a noticeably darker Jefferson portrait than others. This difference, particularly visible in the hair, neck, and eyes, is believed to result from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing's transition from COPE to LEPE printing equipment.

According to research, "light portrait" versions appear in the FA, F★, and KA block ranges, while "dark portrait" versions are found in other 2013 blocks (like BA) and all 2017A series notes. While this variety is currently a niche collecting area with minimal premium, it represents an emerging market that advanced collectors are beginning to recognize.

Production Data and Rarity by Federal Reserve District

Understanding 2013 two dollar bill production numbers helps assess relative rarity. Unlike $1 bills produced for all Federal Reserve districts, $2 bills are printed sporadically based on specific district orders, creating rarity variations.

Known 2013 Series Production Runs

Based on Bureau of Engraving and Printing monthly production reports, confirmed production includes:

Important note: Complete sets of all 12 Federal Reserve districts are sold commercially, indicating that districts beyond those documented in accessible monthly reports also received 2013 series notes. However, the sporadic production pattern suggests some districts may have notably smaller print runs, potentially increasing their value.

What This Means for Collectors

Bills from certain Federal Reserve districts may command premiums based on scarcity, though this is secondary to condition, serial numbers, and error status. Complete district sets (all 12 letters: A through L) in uncirculated condition sell for $80-$100, providing a 3-4x premium over face value.

Professional Grading Services: When to Use Them

Third-party grading services like Paper Money Guaranty (PMG) and Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS Currency) provide authenticated, objective condition assessments. Graded notes are sealed in protective holders with labels detailing the grade and special attributes.

When Grading Makes Financial Sense

Consider professional grading when your 2013 two dollar bill has:

• Gem Uncirculated condition (appears perfect with exceptional paper quality)
• Rare star note (print run ≤ 640,000)
• Valuable fancy serial (solid, ladder, low number, binary)
• Significant printing error (gutter fold, inverted overprint, mismatched serials)
• Combination of factors (e.g., star note + fancy serial)

Cost-Benefit Analysis

Grading fees typically range from $25-$60+ depending on service level and turnaround time. The investment makes sense when:

• The bill's potential value exceeds $100
• You're selling to serious collectors who demand authenticated grades
• The grade will significantly increase marketability and final sale price

For a common circulated 2013 $2 bill, professional grading is not cost-effective. However, for a potential $500+ bill, the $30-50 grading fee represents a small insurance policy that can increase buyer confidence and final selling price by 20-50%.

The EPQ Designation

PMG's Exceptional Paper Quality (EPQ) designation confirms the note is in completely original condition without any physical or chemical processing. Notes graded 65 or higher must receive EPQ to achieve those grades. This designation significantly increases value, as it guarantees authenticity and original state.

Where to Sell Your 2013 Two Dollar Bill

If you've determined your 2013 two dollar bill worth exceeds face value, several selling options exist:

Online Marketplaces

eBay

The largest marketplace for currency collectors. Best for:

• Graded notes with established market values
• Star notes and fancy serial numbers
• Reaching the widest buyer audience

Pros: Large audience, competitive bidding can drive prices up
Cons: 12-15% in fees, requires good photos and descriptions

Heritage Auctions

Premier auction house for high-value notes (typically $500+). They handle marketing, authentication, and attract serious collectors willing to pay premium prices.

Specialized Currency Dealers

Local coin and currency dealers offer immediate cash but typically pay 50-70% of retail value. Best for quick sales when you don't want to wait for auction results.

Get an Expert Valuation

Before selling, get a precise market value assessment. SerialWorth.com provides detailed valuations based on current market data, helping you set realistic prices and avoid underselling valuable notes.

Conclusion: Making Sense of 2013 Two Dollar Bill Value

To summarize what we've learned about 2013 two dollar bill value:

• Most circulated 2013 $2 bills = face value ($2)
• Uncirculated standard notes = $3-$5
• Gem Uncirculated (PMG 65+) = $25-$100+
• Star notes (rare print runs) = $25-$160+
• Fancy serial numbers = $20-$4,000+ depending on pattern
• Printing errors = $50-$2,000+ depending on severity
• Combinations multiply value significantly

The vast majority of 2013 series two dollar bills are worth $2-$5, but that small percentage with special attributes can be worth hundreds or thousands. The key is systematic evaluation: check condition first, then look for the star, examine the serial number, and inspect for errors.

Whether you're a casual holder who found a $2 bill in your wallet or a serious collector building a specialized set, understanding these valuation factors empowers you to recognize valuable notes and avoid missing opportunities. Remember: in paper money collecting, knowledge truly is profit.