The $2 Two Dollars Bills is the second denomination following the $1 One Dollar Black Eagle from the series of 1899 silver certificates. The 1899 $2 Two Dollars Silver Certificates is known to many collectors as the mini-porthole. It looks like the portrait of George Washington at the lower center is being seen through a ship's porthole.
The front and back of the 1899 $2 Two Dollars Silver Certificates
On the left and right of the portrait is flanked by classically portrayed images of agriculture and mechanics, recognizing the prosperity of America at the end of the Victorian era. These silver certificates were backed by stockpiles of silver bullion in the Treasury Department. The large numerical denomination and serial numbers were printed in blue ink. The series of the year is repeated two times in the front below the serial numbers.
The 2$ mini-porthole is highly appreciated by collectors in terms of design and is highly desirable following other denominations from the series of 1899. There are ten varieties of signature combinations for the 1899 $2 silver certificate. The scarcest signature pairing is the Fr.254 Napier-Thompson.
There is not enough information about the production of this note. However, it is supposed to be less than the $1 Silver Certificate Black Eagle. And most of them were redeemed for Silver Bullion in the Treasury Department. There are only around 2500-4000 notes left nowadays.
The 1899 2$ Silver Certificates Mini-Porthole are highly appreciated by collectors in terms of design and is highly desirable following other denominations from the series of 1899. A must-have item for any US large-size paper money collection. There is no wonder that the $2 Mini Porthole is one of the 100 Greatest American Currency Notes and is ranked 67th on the list.
