
Name | 1862 United States Note |
Special Features | Alexander Hamilton portrait, red seal and serial numbers, large size, “Greenback,” reverse with concentric circles of twos, patent imprints for anti-counterfeiting green ink |
Mintage | 8,318,840 |
Price (USD) | $2800~ |
The first $2 bill issued by the United States government in March 1862 was a Legal Tender Note, also known as a United States Note. This note featured a portrait of Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, on its obverse. It was characterized by its red seal and serial numbers, distinguishing it as a United States Note.
Its reverse design was notable for concentric circles containing the numeral “2”. These large-sized notes were also known as “Greenbacks” due to the green ink used on the back. To deter counterfeiting, the bills included patent imprints related to the green ink’s formulation. The 1862 $2 United States Note is considered a significant collectible, and many collectors ask, “how much is my $2 bill worth?” or “what is a 2 dollar bill worth?”—with value largely dependent on condition, rarity, and serial number.