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How Much is a 1963 $2 Bill Worth?

As a note never popular or well-received by the public, the 1963 2 dollar bill presents a little challenge for currency collectors. The reason is that even though most people have never seen one, it isn’t a rare bill to acquire.

Some people simply want to know how much is a 1963 $2 bill worth. Others probably want it to complete or start a collection. Whichever category you might fall, you will find everything you need to know about this bill here.

The 1963 $2 Bill

The 1963 $2 Bill

Also called the 1963 red seal 2 dollar bill, this note features a red seal as opposed to the standard green seal of federal reserve notes and silver certificates of the blue seal. It is also the last of the 2 dollar bill series to feature a red seal after the 1928 and 1953 two-dollar notes.

The $2 bill generally has a remarkable history that extends to its 1963 series. First was the poor reception and perception of the notes. According to Facts about the two-dollar bill, most people considered the notes a jinx, and even casinos would reject them.

Even though the bills later changed from large to smaller, several businesses still had no section for them in cash drawers. This general disposition towards the $2 bill and ultimately its 1963 series influenced the demand for the notes, which affected their current value.

This note had two series, which were the 1963 and 1963A. Both series feature Jefferson’s picture on the front and the picture of his Monticello residence on the back. It is interesting to note that this was the last series to have this back feature.

While both series are common and have equal values, their star notes have significantly different values. You can differentiate them by looking at the section below the red seal, just before the signature at the front of the note.

You will either see a ‘series 1963’ or ‘series 1963A’, which will tell you which of the series you found.

1963 $2 Star Notes

1963 $2 Star Notes

As with other denominations and series, the 1963 $2 bill also had star notes printed to replace defective bills. These are much rarer compared to standard notes and, as such, have higher values.

Since this denomination had short printing runs, there aren’t many of its star notes in circulation.  You can recognise a 1963 $2 star note through the presence of a star in front of the note’s serial number. This is quite important because you might have one in your collection without knowing.

How Rare is the 1963 $2 Bill?

Despite its poor public reception, the 1963 $2 bill is quite common, and only its star notes have more degrees of rarity to them. The reason is that since most businesses never came around to accepting them, the demand for the notes dropped.

This decline in demand increased the number of available notes in circulation. As a result, it became easy to acquire them even among the $2 bill series.

The two-dollar bill had short runs, and its printing stopped after the 1963 series due to low demand. Production only resumed in 1974 for the Bicentennial of the United States. However, the printed notes now carry a green seal.

As the last series to bear the red seal, 1963 two dollar bills retain a unique place in every collection.

Another reason for its availability is that the 1963 $2 bill was one of the smaller note series. These series were printed more recently than the older large-sized two-dollar bill series, making them more common.

How Much is a 1963 $2 Bill Worth?

The 1963A and 1963 $2 notes have very close values in fine and uncirculated conditions. However, a significant difference in value shows when dealing with their star notes, as the 1963A $2 star note has the most value.

The value of your two-dollar bill depends on its condition, which is either fine or uncirculated. The fine condition means that even though the note might have creases or fold lines, it has no tear. An uncirculated condition means the note still maintains its crispy nature since it has never been spent or in circulation.

Another important feature that influences the price of a star note in this series is unique serial numbers. If a note has repetitive numbers or a palindrome, i.e. numbers that read the same from front to back and vice versa, it will most likely fetch a higher price than standard notes.

For clarity, notes with serial numbers that contain palindromes are also called radar notes. They have more rarity than other types aside from star notes.

The 1963 $2 Bill and Star Note Value

On eBay, the 1963 $2 Bill sold for a value of $4.74 in fine condition, and it goes for $20 in uncirculated condition. However, the value is higher, as seen on the same platform, with notes going for $27.95 in fine condition.

On the other hand, the 1963 $2 star note sold for a value of $9.50 in fine condition and as much as $62 in uncirculated condition. The reason is that these notes are much rarer than the standard ones but also more common than other two-dollar star notes.

 

Note
Fine Condition
Uncirculated Condition
1963
$4.74
$27.95
1963 $2 star note
$9.50
$62

1963A $2 Bill and Star Note Value

The 1963A $2 bill can sell for $4.63 on sites like eBay in fine condition. If you have 1963A two dollar bills in uncirculated condition, you can sell each of them for $22, but not as much as a 1963 two-dollar star note.

A 1963A $2 star note sold for as low as $5.50 in fine condition but is listed for as much as $50 in uncirculated condition. Even though most people list their notes for higher prices on sites, that doesn’t mean an experienced collector will buy them at that amount.

Note
Fine Condition
Uncirculated Condition
1963A
$4.63
$22
1963A Star Note
$5.50
$50

Note: Make sure to confirm the authenticity of any note you acquire or have for sale as no one will buy a fake. Some of the best practices include:

  • Check to see if the note glows under ultraviolet (UV) light. If it glows, it is not authentic.
  • Knowing the little details of an original note. This way, you can spot errors that will point out a counterfeit.

Nevertheless, the safest way is to have a professional appraiser take a look at it.

Where Can I Sell My 1963 Two Dollar Bill?

Before selling your 1963 $2 bill(s), it is essential to note that prices will vary based on where you choose to sell. As I showed earlier in this post, this bill’s prices tend to increase or decrease according to who is buying.

Generally, selling to a local coin shop will yield less than using an online platform. The most common online platform for selling collectables like these is eBay. However, that is not the only available online platform. Etsy and US State Quarters are also online platforms that can fetch you reasonable amounts for your collection or note.

Since the 1963 $2 bill value primarily depends on whichever platform you choose, you might want a deal that fits in the correct range. The best way to solve this issue is to have your bill appraised.

Yes, professional appraisers and coin dealers can appraise your note for its correct worth.  However, while local coin dealers look easily accessible, online platforms are most likely to yield the total price of your collection.

However, if you don’t mind selling your note for one or two dollars less, the local coin dealer is okay for convenience.

Wrapping Up

The 1963 $2 bill series has an interesting history responsible for its low value to some extent. With a demand that fell way lower than the supply, the 1963 two-dollar bill is more common than other two-dollar bills.

Although you can get more value from its star notes, they are rarer than standard notes. If you find one and wish to sell it, make sure to deal with people specialising in buying or collecting star notes. This way, you will get your note’s complete and correct value.

Finally, don’t let the 1963 $2 bill value discourage you. The bill represents the last collection featuring Jefferson’s Monticello residence at the back of the note. It is also the last two-dollar bill series that was printed with a red seal. No currency collection can be complete with the 1963 $2 bill.

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