2 dollars 1917
About This Note
This United States $2 Note from the Series of 1917 (Pick P-188) displays the classic design of early 20th-century American currency, featuring a portrait on the obverse and the iconic Capitol building in the center. The note presents in Very Fine condition with visible aging characteristics including foxing, creasing, and tan discoloration from circulation, consistent with a genuine period note that has seen moderate use over more than a century.
Common. The Series of 1917 $2 Notes were produced in substantial quantities and remain readily available to collectors in various condition grades. While the VF grade represents a mid-range condition with visible wear, notes from this series are not scarce or particularly sought-after premium items, and examples regularly appear in dealer inventories and at modest valuations.
Issued during World War I, this 1917 Series note reflects the Treasury's design standards of the era, prominently featuring the United States Capitol building as a symbol of American governance and stability during a period of national mobilization. The red Treasury Department seal and 'UNITED STATES NOTE' designation indicate this was issued directly by the Treasury rather than through Federal Reserve banks, representing a distinct category of American currency that was gradually phased out over subsequent decades.
The obverse features a male portrait in formal 19th-century attire positioned within an ornamental oval frame on the left side, with the United States Capitol building depicted in neoclassical detail at center—a design emphasizing American institutional authority and architectural heritage. The reverse displays a highly symmetrical ornamental pattern in green ink with multiple large numerals '2' enclosed in decorative medallion-style frames, elaborate rosette designs, filigree scrollwork, and shield-like elements with floral motifs. The design employs the characteristic Victorian-era aesthetic of the period, with intricate line work and complex engraved borders providing anti-counterfeiting security through sheer intricacy of execution.
Front side: 'UNITED STATES NOTE' / 'SERIES OF 1917' / 'TWO DOLLARS' / 'THIS NOTE IS A LEGAL TENDER FOR TWO DOLLARS' / 'Will pay to bearer' / 'Washington, D.C.' / Serial number 'H 8440312 A' / 'ENGRAVED AND PRINTED AT THE BUREAU ENGRAVING & PRINTING' / Bank designation letter 'H'. Back side: 'TWO' / 'UNITED STATES OF AMERICA' / 'TWO DOLLARS OF ONE' / Multiple instances of numeral '2'.
Intaglio engraving and printing, executed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing as indicated on the note face. The process involved engraving the design into steel plates, with separate printings for the black ink (obverse and reverse designs) and red ink (Treasury seal and serial numbers on obverse) and green ink (reverse denomination and ornamental elements). The fine line work, ornamental details, and the visible foxing pattern are consistent with period intaglio production on cotton-fiber paper stock.
Serial number prefix 'H' indicates this note was issued from one of the Federal Reserve districts' corresponding Treasury operations. The specific serial number H 8440312 A provides individual identification. Varieties of the 1917 Series $2 Notes can be distinguished by signature combinations (Secretary of the Treasury and Treasurer signatures), serial number prefixes, and printings, though detailed variety cataloging for this series is less comprehensive than for later Federal Reserve Note issues.
