Want to Make an Impression for 2 Bucks? Try a $2 Bill

I am fascinated by the US $2 bill. Have you ever seen one? Or even better – have you ever tried to spend a $2 bill? The $2 bill is bastard child of US currency, and has never had the respect it deserves. Showing off a fanned hand of of $2 bills will yield reactions varying from fascination to skepticism. I like to show off my $2 bills and I’m often asked, “Are those real?” or “What are they worth?”

My friends, the $2 bill is alive and well. It’s real, and it’s still worth $2… And it’s time for the $2 bill to become mainstream.

As the value of a dollar decreases, doesn’t the $2 bill make more sense? Virtually every denomination, aside from $1, can be made easier with a $2 bill.  Want to give out $9? Wouldn’t a $5 and two $2s be easier than a $5 and four $1s? Three dollars could be a $2 and a $1, while four dollars could be two $2s. Want to leave a $2 tip? Toss down a deuce.

The $2 bill is due for a comeback.

A $2 Revolution?
The time has come for the $2 bill to make its way into mainstream culture. It’s actually quite easy to help the $2 bill make its way into the mainstream. Start using them! But how do you get some $2 bills? Hit your bank. I run to my bank once or twice a month for personal business, and I’ve started simply asking my teller if she has any $2 bills. The last time I asked, she said she had 64 of them – and told me she was glad I was taking them off her hands. So on that occasion I got $20 worth, and I use them for special moments when I want to stand out – typically when tipping a waiter or bartender. I’ve made it a point to play my part in the resurgence of the $2 bill. The cool thing is that using a $2 bill automatically makes me noticed whenever I spend one.

I’ve made it a point to be the guy who leaves $2 bills for tips. Not only does it help get the bill back into circulation, but those receiving the bill will remember me. For people who deal with money all day long, a $2 bill is different and interesting. When someone questions if a $2 bill is even real money, it’s my chance to educate them.

A Hipster Match Made in Heaven?
The $2 bill seems to be a match made for the hipsters around the country. It’s not hard to fathom these independent-thinking, counter-culture mindset individuals walking around with a wallet full of $2 bills, simply because they can. Any takers?

Good Business?
There are ways a $2 can become a promotional item for business. I once saw a car dealership giving them out as part of a rewards package for test drives. Other businesses have used them in conjunction with the number 2, such as “Two For Tuesday” promotions.

The possibilities are endless how a $2 can be a part of your unique identity. I was at a bar recently and the conversation kind of died out. I whipped out a bunch of bills and asked, “You guys ever see these?” Several people were interested, especially in how I received the bills. A couple wanted to trade me singles for them.

There is evidence that the $2 bill is slowly creeping back into circulation, as production of the bill has been increasing in recent years. This means now more than ever is a chance to give the $2 bill its proper place alongside the rest of American currency. Until it becomes mainstream, here at Wafflesatnoon we suggest setting putting a few in your wallet and spending them when you want to make an impression.

How else can you make an impression for just $2?

Further Reading

• UseTheTwo.com 
• United States two-dollar bill on Wikipedia