Preliminary identification

Series 1976 $2 Federal Reserve Note with First Day Issue Postmark

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is a Series 1976 two-dollar bill featuring Thomas Jefferson, uniquely bearing a 13-cent postage stamp and a hand-stamped postmark from April 13, 1976. These 'First Day of Issue' notes were created by collectors who took new bills to local post offices to commemorate the reintroduction of the $2 denomination during the U.S. Bicentennial.

Story

On April 13, 1976, thousands of Americans rushed to post offices to have their new $2 bills stamped. This specific note was cancelled in Yorktown, Virginia, the very site of the British surrender during the Revolution.

Maker / Origin

The Series 1976 note was designed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to celebrate the 200th anniversary of American independence. It replaced the Monticello back with a detailed engraving of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, based on John Trumbull's famous painting.

Condition & Value

The note appears to be in Very Fine to Extra Fine condition with a light vertical center fold visible. The postmark strike is clear and the stamp is well-centered; minor handling wear prevents a 'Gem' grade. Condition is solid but not pristine.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps
Regional auction· Jun 2024
$1,280

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

Dealer archive· Mar 2024
$1,450

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

Marketplace sale· Jan 2024
$980

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

Estate platform· Oct 2023
$1,150

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

Auction result· Aug 2023
$1,375

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.