The 1963 2 dollar bill features a red seal which is a different look then the standard green seal federal reserve notes and the blue seal silver certificates. But this isn't the first red seal two dollar note to be issued. You can also find a red seal on the 1928 two dollar note and the 1953 two dollar note.
1963 is the last year that the red seal was featured on a two dollar note. It's also the final year that Jefferson's Monticello residence was featured on United States paper currency.
There were two different series issued for this note: 1963 and 1963A. Both of these series are common.
Specifications
| Denomination: | $2.00 USD |
| Type: | Legal Tender Note |
| Seal Varieties: | One: Red |
| Series: | Two: 1963, 1963A |
Value
The value is mainly going to depend on the series and the bill's condition. Most circulated bills are not going to be worth much more than their face value of $2.
Both the 1963 series and 1963A series $2 bills are worth around $9 each in very fine condition. In uncirculated condition the price is around $20 for bills with an MS 63 grade.
Star Notes
Star notes are available and they are more valuable, especially in uncirculated condition. What are star notes? They are replacement notes that have a star at the beginning of the serial number. Star notes are more rare than standard notes.
The 1963 $2 star notes are worth around $12 in very fine condition. In uncirculated condition the price is around $45 for notes with an MS 63 grade.
The 1963A $2 star notes are worth around $12 in very fine condition. In uncirculated condition the price is around $90 for notes with an MS 63 grade.
Grading System
Very fine- A note that has been in circulation but not for a long time. The note is still relatively crisp. There may be some creases, folds, or light smudges.
MS 63 choice uncirculated- A note that shows no signs of ever having been in circulation. The note still has its original crispness. The note is also well-centered.
History of the Two Dollar Bill
The two dollar bill has a long and interesting history. The first bill with Alexander Hamilton on the front was issued back in 1862 as a legal tender note. In 1886 the first two dollar silver certificates were issued and these silver certificates continued to be issued until 1899.
During these early years every note was a "large size" note which are significantly bigger than the "small size" notes that are currently in circulation. Small notes started in 1928 with the red seal legal tender notes. The bills were redesigned in 1796 with the 1976 two dollar federal reserve note. Contrary to what people may think, the bill wasn't redesigned because of the United States Bicentennial.
It's rare to see two dollar bills in circulation today, but they are still out there. You don't see them often because they aren't popular and some businesses won't accept them. However the government has continued to print them out in relatively small numbers over the years.
Conclusion
These notes are old but the prices aren't very high. But your red seal 1963 two dollar bill is still a part of United States history and it will be worth much more than its face value in very fine condition.
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