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.

Here are a few interesting facts about the $2 bill...

• The first $2 notes (called United States Notes or "Legal Tenders") were issued by the Federal Government in 1862 and featured a portrait of the first Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton (1789-1795).
• The first use of Thomas Jefferson's portrait on $2 notes was on Series 1869 United States Notes. The same portrait has been used for all series of $2 United States Notes as well as for all $2 Federal Reserve Notes.
• Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's estate in Virginia, was first featured as the vignette on the back of the Series 1928 $2 United States Note.
• In celebration of the United States' bicentennial, a $2 Federal Reserve Note, Series 1976, was introduced. The new design maintained the portrait of Jefferson on the face but the back was changed from Monticello to a vignette of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The most recent printing of the $2 note has the Series 2003 date. There are no plans to redesign the $2 note.

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