The 1953 two dollar legal tender note is unique looking because it has a red seal. But just because it's a nice-looking old note with a different seal color doesn't make it valuable. Many of them were printed so the value isn't as high as other collectible paper money. Over 79 million standard 1953 two dollar notes were printed. An additional 3.9 million 1953 star notes were also printed.
On the front of the bill there is a portrait of Thomas Jefferson and on the reverse side there is an image of Monticello, which was Jefferson's main plantation. Each of these notes were printed in Washington DC and then distributed all throughout the United States. There were four different series printed, and some of them are valuable. In addition, star notes are available and they are more valuable than the standard bills.
Specifications
| Denomination: | $2.00 U.S. Dollar |
| Type: | Legal Tender Note |
| Seal Varieties: | One: Red |
| Series: | Four: 1953, 1953A, 1953B, 1953C |
History
So why is the seal red? It's because during this time America was still on the gold standard. There were silver and gold certificates in circulation that had blue seals. This two dollar bill was issued as a legal tender note so the red seal differentiated it.
The government created legal tender notes because they needed more money to spend. These legal tender notes were basically loans to the United States government. They couldn't be redeemed for silver or gold like the other notes.
Value
The value is mainly going to depend on the series and the bill's condition. Besides condition, there are a few pricing factors that can potentially come into play. Bills with low serial numbers, high serial numbers, birthday serial numbers, and uncommon serial numbers can make a bill more valuable.
Below are the values in very fine condition and MS 63 uncirculated condition.
| Series | Very Fine | MS 63 Uncirculated |
|---|---|---|
| 1953 | $9 | $32.50 |
| 1953A | $9 | $22.50 |
| 1953B | $9 | $22.50 |
| 1953C | $9 | $22.50 |
Star Notes
If you have a bill with a star symbol before the serial number then it's known as a star note. Star notes are replacement notes that are more rare and more valuable. The table below will show the prices for each series in very fine condition and MS 63 uncirculated condition.
| Series | Very Fine | MS 63 Uncirculated |
|---|---|---|
| 1953 | $22.50 | $95 |
| 1953A | $22.50 | $95 |
| 1953B | $22.50 | $70 |
| 1953C | $17.50 | $70 |
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.
Conclusion
The 1953 two dollar red seal is a bill that looks more valuable then it actually is. The majority of these bills aren't very valuable but they are a part of America's history and they can make great gifts. If you're interested in valuable two dollar bills then check out the rare varieties of the 1928 two dollar bill and the 1976 two dollar bill.
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