<P> Certain conventions and tourism / convention bureaus capitalize on the scarcity of $2 bills in circulation, encouraging convention attendees and tourists to spend $2 bills in order to illustrate to the host communities the economic impact that the conventions and tourism bring . Sometimes known as "SpendTom" campaigns, the $2 bills linger in the community as a constant reminder . Some campaigns encourage people to participate in a hunt for the bills in order to win prizes . </P> <P> (approximately 7.4218 × 3.125 in ≅ 189 × 79 mm) </P> <P> In March 1862, the first $2 bill was issued as a Legal Tender Note (United States Note) with a portrait of Alexander Hamilton; the portrait of Hamilton used was a profile view and is not the same portrait used currently for the $10 bill . The continental congress based on defending the United States, released on June 25, 1776, began to authorize $2 credit, the circulation of 49,000 copies . Pass two - dollar bill was first used in March 1862 . Between 1966 and 1976, two - dollar notes were not printed . </P> <P> By 1869, the $2 United States Note was redesigned with the now familiar portrait of Thomas Jefferson to the left and a vignette of the United States Capitol in the center of the obverse . This note also featured green tinting on the top and left side of the obverse . Although this note is technically a United States Note, TREASURY NOTE appeared on it instead of UNITED STATES NOTE . The reverse was completely redesigned . This series was again revised in 1874, changes on the obverse included removing the green tinting, adding a red floral design around WASHINGTON D.C., and changing the term TREASURY NOTE to UNITED STATES NOTE . The 1874 design was also issued as Series of 1875 and 1878 and by 1880 the red floral design around WASHINGTON D.C. on the United States Note was removed and the serial numbers were changed to blue . This note with the red floral design was also issued as Series of 1917 but with red serial numbers by that time . </P>

When was the first 2 dollar bill printed