When was the last two dollar bill printed? This question often arises among collectors and enthusiasts who are keen to track the history and evolution of currency. The answer to this question provides insight into the production schedules and design changes of the United States currency.
The last two dollar bill to be printed was the 2003 series, which featured a portrait of Thomas Jefferson. This series was produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) and was released into circulation in February 2003. The design of this bill was a continuation of the 1990 series, which also depicted Jefferson on the front. The 2003 series included security features such as a watermark, a color-shifting ink, and a security thread to deter counterfeiting.
The two dollar bill has a unique history in the United States. It was first introduced in 1862 as a temporary emergency issue, and it was intended to be used for transactions involving high denominations. The bill was initially printed in denominations of $2, $20, $50, and $100. Over time, the use of the two dollar bill decreased, and by the 20th century, it was mainly used for ceremonial purposes.
The design of the two dollar bill has changed several times since its inception. The first series, known as the “greenback,” was printed from 1862 to 1863. This series featured a portrait of George Washington on the front and a depiction of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on the back. The second series, printed from 1863 to 1876, depicted a portrait of Abraham Lincoln on the front and a depiction of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation on the back.
The third series, printed from 1876 to 1928, featured a portrait of Thomas Jefferson on the front and a depiction of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on the back. This series was the first to use the two dollar bill as a regular issue, and it remained in circulation until the 1990 series was introduced.
The 1990 series was a significant update to the design of the two dollar bill. It featured a new portrait of Thomas Jefferson and included several security features to combat counterfeiting. The 2003 series continued this design, with minor updates to the security features.
In recent years, the demand for the two dollar bill has decreased, and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing has not printed new series of the bill. However, the 2003 series remains in circulation, and it is still considered legal tender. The last two dollar bill printed serves as a reminder of the rich history and evolution of the United States currency.
