Two Dollar Bills
Today, I was handed 5-$2 USD bills from my brother. I knew exactly where he got them from. His economics teacher is a huge freak about the Toms. He has been for years, and I got to experience this obsession first hand when I was his student back in the 2004-2005 school year when I was a college freshman. The sight of these things gave me an idea. It made me research the bills a little bit more, and I'm convinced that these bills should be more popular. Granted, I'm not going to take on the same obsession that my former economics teacher has, but I still think it's a cause worth working towards.
For whatever reason, the two-dollar bill isn't as popular as it should be. In fact, many people doubt the validity of this denomination because they have never seen one. In fact, if you look on snopes.com, you'll see stories about a few stores refusing to accept the bills on account of disbelieving the validity. One guy was even arrested before a US Treasury Agent cleared up the matter because the guy tried to purchase something with 57 two-dollar bills.
There does, however, seem to be an increase in usage of these bills. In just the past few years, the number of $2 bills printed has been doubled compared to the printing between 1991 and 2001. Perhaps the Toms may become a staple in today's economy. One could only hope. After all, the reverse of the bill does showcase a very important part of American history. That image, of course, is the painting, The Declaration of Independence, by John Trumbull. The obverse is a portrait of Thomas Jefferson, America's 3rd President.
I think that's one of the reasons why I've suddenly taken a liking to these bills. Not only are they something that's statistically rare, but it showcases my favorite founding father. Thomas Jefferson shared most of my libertarian views, so I feel a special appreciation towards the visionary that helped shape our country. By helping to spread his denomination, it also gives way to the possibility of spreading the word and ideas of Thomas Jefferson. It may be a stretch of the imagination, but it's certainly possible.
Anyway, that's my little tidbit on these special bills. While you're not likely to receive them as change from a store, you can get these little treasures by requesting them at your bank. Next time you go to your bank, request a few of them. They'll, most likely, be nice and crisp, too. Who doesn't love a crisp bill?