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| The 2 dollar bill I found! |
A few weeks ago, I visited St. Monica Catholic
School in Indianapolis. I had a great time helping lots of children find their creative
writing MUSE.
When I do school visits, I always send a book order
form ahead of time. This way, parents can purchase signed copies of my books
for their sons and daughters.
While opening payment envelopes, I encounter lots of
10 dollar, 5 dollar, and 1 dollar bills. I sometimes open envelops full of
quarters, nickels, and dimes, too. But I have NEVER received the mysterious,
elusive, often called a “phony” 2 dollar bill. Until now!
When I first saw it, I thought, “Is this real?”
I have to admit, it’s been a while since I’ve held a
2 dollar bill. And when this one mysteriously showed itself, it felt magical to
hold it in my hands.
I still have not spent it! And I don’t think I want
to. EVER! (Wink)
Maybe that’s why we hardly ever see 2 dollar bills.
When one is caught, it’s rarely released. You think???
I don’t know, but I do know that we’ve found our
MUSE!
$2 bills!
Apparently there are still 1.1 BILLION dollars in 2
dollar bills in circulation. (Or stuck inside greeting cards, billfolds, or old
desk drawers.)
Here are some other fun facts about the 2 dollar
bill:
The original 2 dollar bill, printed in 1862,
featured Alexander Hamilton’s portrait. (Alexander Hamilton was the first
United States Secretary of the Treasury. He is now featured on the 10 dollar
bill.)
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| Alexander Hamilton (1757-1804) |
In 1869, the portrait of Thomas Jefferson took the
place of Alexander Hamilton. Jefferson has remained on the 2 dollar bill ever
since.
EXCEPT…. for the 10 years that the 2 dollar bill was
retired (1966-1976). The 2 dollar bill was reintroduced for the U.S. bicentennial
celebration. At this time the picture on the back was also changed.
On the back of the previous 2 dollar bill, a picture
of Monticello was featured. The bicentennial 2 dollar bill features a painting
of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
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| The original Jefferson 2 dollar bill! |
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| The bicentennial 2 dollar bill, still printed today! |
Here’s a crazy fact! Some businesses do not accept 2
dollar bills, and legally, they don’t have.
In fact, people often think they are counterfeit
(fake). A man in Baltimore, Maryland was held by police in a Best Buy store,
when he paid with 64 two-dollar bills. Secret service was called and had to
verify that the money was real.
So, maybe THAT is why people don’t spend their 2
dollar bills. Who wants the police called on them?
Before you get away and write interesting stories
FULL of money, I thought you might like to see how money is made. Take a look!
Sorry, I couldn’t find a video featuring 2 dollar
bills. I had to settle for the twenty!
With this new knowledge, what kind of story could
you write? Maybe these what if questions will help you get started.
WHAT IF your main character planted two cents and a
tree grew that flowered with 2 dollar bills?
WHAT IF your story took place inside the Bureau of
Engraving and Printing? Are your characters people? What if they are ants, mice
or LEPRECHAUNS!
WHAT IF your main character found an old safe
deserted in the woods? When he/she cracked it open, hundreds of Alexander
Hamilton 2 dollar bills were inside!
The possibilities are endless, and please leave your
own what if questions in the comment section below. I’d love to see what you
come up with.
So, grab a pencil and a piece of paper, and let’s
begin. With your imagination, we can go anywhere. I look forward to seeing
where you take us.
With Imagination,
Professor Watermelon
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