Steve Wozniak Uses Custom $2 Bills for Over 30 Years

Steve Wozniak, the Apple co-founder, has been using custom $2 bills for over three decades. This unusual financial practice showcases his playful take on currency while remaining within legal boundaries. Wozniak, 75, shared insights about these custom bills during a 2011 interview that recently gained attention.

Origins of the Custom $2 Bills

Wozniak explained that he sources his custom $2 bills from the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. He legally purchases uncut sheets of these bills, which he then takes to a local print shop in Los Gatos, California. There, he has the sheets perforated for easy tearing, allowing him to use them as he pleases.

The Design and Features

The custom bills bear Wozniak’s name, “WOZ,” rather than the typical imagery of Thomas Jefferson. This creative alteration is part of what makes them unique. He humorously noted that although the bills look suspicious, they remain recognizable as legal tender.

Legal Aspects and Public Reception

Wozniak emphasized that these custom bills comply with U.S. government specifications. He stated, “By law, these are legal tender. I have been spending them.” However, he also humorously acknowledged the potential for confusion when using them in public, sharing that some establishments, like In-N-Out Burger, do not accept his custom bills.

Cost and Circulation

• Wozniak buys the sheets from the Bureau, which come in groups of four, 16, or 32 bills.
• Purchasing these sheets costs nearly $3 per $2 bill.
• Despite some challenges, Wozniak mentioned that many of his custom bills are still in circulation.

Wozniak also humorously recalled a past encounter with the Secret Service. He once presented a joke ID, claiming to be a “laser safety officer” in the “Department of Defiance.” His lighthearted demeanor and inventive approach have, however, led to approval from the Secret Service concerning his custom currency.

A Unique Marketing Strategy

In addition to using these custom bills, Wozniak has sold them to friends at a cost of $5 for four bills. He quipped, “What you’re getting is worth $50—you’d be an idiot not to buy it for five bucks.” This playful attitude reflects his entrepreneurial spirit, even in the realm of quirky currency.

Overall, Steve Wozniak’s three-decade use of custom $2 bills merges humor with legality, making him a notable figure in the world of unconventional finance.