1953-B Two Dollar Red Seal Note

Description

Faint reddish-brown foxing spots scattered across the face immediately catch the eye on this 1953-B two dollar United States Note, printed with the red Treasury seal and red serial numbers rather than the green ink used on Federal Reserve Notes. The obverse carries the familiar portrait of Thomas Jefferson centered in an oval frame, while the reverse features an engraved view of Monticello in green ink, with THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA banner above and TWO DOLLARS spelled out along the borders.

The note reads Series 1953 B and bears the printed signatures of Elizabeth Rudel Smith, Treasurer of the United States, and C. Douglas Dillon, Secretary of the Treasury. Serial number A66491195A appears in red at both upper right and lower left, with district letter M and plate position markings visible in the corners. This is a Legal Tender (United States Note) issue rather than a Silver Certificate or Federal Reserve Note, as indicated by the red seal and serial ink.

The note shows honest circulation wear consistent with its age, including a horizontal center fold, several vertical creases, and rounded, slightly worn corners. Scattered light staining and small foxing spots appear on both the face and back, along with minor soiling throughout. It is currently housed in a protective plastic sleeve with a paper price tag numbered 0147 tucked alongside it.