The Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
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olive plantStylized images of plants have always been a part of the design of American currency, as these images are used to connect and soften various elements of the overall graphic arrangement of each bill. There are two categories of plants engravers seem to favor when designing new banknotes: symbolic foliage and agricultural products.
oak leaf detailSymbolic foliage includes olive branches, which represent peace; laurel wreaths, which represent victory; and oak leaves, which symbolize strength.
agricultural plantsThe four agricultural products in Colonial America--corn, cotton, wheat, and tobacco all appear on currency.
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