The Two Dollar Bill Documentary is an intriguing look into the world of one of the most unrecognized, underused pieces of American currency. Director John I. Lenicheck enlists a winning lineup of contributors to give a rich, informative and compelling overview of the little-known universe of the humble two-dollar bill. This 2015 documentary stars Ben Cohen, Hank Eskin, and Richard Jurek. It attempts to answer why a piece of currency that most people have in their wallets, or at least, have come across at some point, is so rarely seen in circulation.

Ben Cohen, one of the founders of the famed Ben and Jerry’s ice cream brand, holds a long-standing fascination with the rarely-seen bill that only adds dimension to the narrative. His passion for two-dollar bills even plays a role in his business, where they use it often in promotional events - a nugget of trivia that intersects business, marketing and personal intrigue most elegantly.

Hank Eskin, a banker and the founder of a website that tracks dollar bills across the United States, brings his professional knowledge and personal curiosity to the table. With his vast understanding of the circulation and tracking of paper money, Eskin adds a systemic view of the two-dollar bill's journey, allowing viewers to comprehend the broader context in which this bill exists.

Finally, there is Richard Jurek, a marketing and public relations expert with a keen interest in the space program. His specific interest lies in astronaut autographs, particularly those signed on two-dollar bills. This intersection of personal interest and professional expertise adds an entirely different angle to the exploration of two-dollar bills, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the allure of this often overlooked piece of currency.

Although this trifecta forms the core of the film, the documentary admirably avoids the trap of turning into just a compilation of talking heads. It is visually engaging, with footage of everyday interactions involving two-dollar bills, interviews with individuals from all walks of life, and experts who contribute additional insights into topics like the history of the bill, its cultural significance, and depiction in popular culture.

The film is illuminating with information about this paper currency that was first commissioned during the Civil War and has survived, albeit in a subdued manner, through all the changes in the evolution of money. The Two Dollar Bill Documentary shines light on its origins, impact and the reasons for its unpopularity despite it being legal tender. This exploration digs deep, casts a wide net and pulls back the layers of the bizarrely twisted fate of the underused bill.

The Two Dollar Bill Documentary also explores a variety of unique cultural myths and superstitions surrounding the two-dollar bill, including the misconception that it is unlucky or even illegal. These assumptions, local tales, and folklore from all across the nation only add another layer of captivation to the narrative.

On the whole, the film sees beyond its seemingly niche subject and manages to weave it into a broader tapestry that explores not just the world of currency, but also history, social psychology, mythology, and popular culture. This isn't a documentary merely about a banknote, it's about the interaction between American society and a symbol of its economy that has somehow fallen into the shadows.

The Two Dollar Bill Documentary is a labor of intrigue, an interesting deep-dive into an unfamiliar and unexplored territory, and an unconventional love letter to a fascinating footnote in American currency history. It is a must-watch for those who appreciate a captivating tale, a blast from the past, and the charm of discovery hidden in the most unlikely of places.