We photographed the two dollar bill in particular since it is less frequently seen in circulation and also because it holds a special memory for Gene Cooper. As a child Gene used to receive $2 bills on special occasions from his Grandmother. During our research, we began to realize that many people often give $2 bills as gifts and in recognition of special moments in time.

The backs of the bills feature images reflective of the history of our nation: The Great Seal of the United States on the $1, the signing of the Declaration of Independence on the $2, the Lincoln Memorial on the $5, the Treasury Building on the $10, the White House on the $20, the Capitol on the $50, and Independence Hall on the $100. Denominations higher than $100 feature ornate impressions of the numerical value of the note, such as an ornate "500."

The $2 Federal Reserve Note features an engraving of John Trumbull's painting "The Signing of the Declaration of Independence." The original Trumbull painting portrayed 47 people, 42 of whom were signers of the Declaration (there were 56 total). However, because of a limited amount of space on the note, 5 of 47 men in the painting were not included in the engraving.

Information provided courtesy of the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing
http://www.bep.treas.gov/