That dusty $2 bill you’ve been holding onto might be a lot more valuable than you think. While most people overlook $2 bills as mere novelties, collectors know that certain ones can be worth tens of thousands of dollars—especially if they feature rare or unusual serial numbers. One example that has caught major attention in recent years is a $2 bill with the serial number 20202020, which reportedly sold for as much as $80,000.
So what’s so special about a simple string of repeating numbers? Here’s everything you need to know about why some $2 bills are fetching big money—and how to check if you’re sitting on a small fortune.
Why Are Serial Numbers So Important?
When it comes to collectible paper currency, the serial number is a major factor in determining value—sometimes even more than age or condition. Collectors love bills with “fancy” serial numbers, including:
- Repeater: Like 20202020 or 56565656
- Radar: A palindrome, such as 12344321
- Ladder: Sequential numbers, like 12345678
- Low numbers: Such as 00000001 to 00000009
- Solid or near-solid: Like 77777777 or 88888888
- Birthday notes: Serial numbers resembling dates (e.g., 07171989 for July 17, 1989)
These patterns are rare to encounter in circulation, and the more unique or symmetrical the number, the higher its value among collectors.
What Makes the Serial Number 20202020 So Valuable?
A bill with the serial number 20202020 is considered a repeating pattern note—specifically a quad repeater. The repeating “20” pattern gives it strong visual appeal, symmetry, and rarity.
Here’s why this particular serial number stands out:
- Extremely Rare Pattern: There are only 96 possible quad repeaters per denomination and series (like 10101010, 11111111, 12121212, etc.). That makes these bills incredibly hard to come by.
- Strong Collector Demand: Repeating-number $2 bills are popular because the denomination itself is already unusual. Combine that with a rare serial number, and you have a perfect storm of desirability.
- Pristine Condition Matters: If the 20202020 bill is in uncirculated condition (no folds, stains, or creases), its value skyrockets.
- Low Print Runs on $2 Bills: Unlike $1s or $20s, $2 bills are printed in much smaller quantities, making special serials even harder to find.
A Real-World Example: The $80,000 Sale
While most fancy serial number bills sell for hundreds or a few thousand dollars, some extremely rare combinations in pristine condition have gone for much more. According to auction and dealer reports, a Series 2013 $2 bill with the serial number 20202020 and a high Mint State grade sold for $80,000 to a private collector.
This sale wasn’t just about the pattern—it was also about perfect preservation, certification by a top grading company, and the rarity of the number appearing on a $2 bill.
How to Check Your $2 Bills for Value
Here’s a quick checklist to see if your $2 bill could be worth big money:
Check the Serial Number – Look for repeating numbers, patterns, palindromes, or low numbers.
Look for a Star Note – If your bill ends with a ★, it’s a replacement note and might be rarer.
Check the Series Year – Series 2003, 2009, and 2013 $2 bills are more common, but unique serials make them valuable regardless of age.
Examine the Condition – The closer to uncirculated (perfect, no folds or marks), the better.
Check for Certification – Bills graded by PCGS or PMG as “Gem Uncirculated” or “Choice Uncirculated” are far more valuable.
What To Do If You Find One
If you think you’ve found a valuable $2 bill:
- Do NOT spend it
- Store it safely in a plastic currency sleeve to protect the condition
- Consult a professional currency dealer or submit the bill to a grading service like PCGS Currency or PMG
- Research recent auction results for bills with similar serial numbers and grades
Final Thoughts
The $2 bill has long been a curiosity in American currency, but with the right serial number—like 20202020—it becomes more than just legal tender. It becomes a coveted collectible, one that could turn ordinary pocket change into an $80,000 windfall.
So next time you’re handed a $2 bill or digging through an old drawer, take a good look at that serial number. You might just be holding one of the rarest and most valuable bills in circulation.
Think you’ve found a fancy $2 bill? Share the serial number here and I’ll help you figure out what it might be worth!