Currency
Today’s currency is “denominated,” or designated, in $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 notes. The $100 note is the largest currency denomination in circulation today.
Historically, U.S. currency was printed in a variety of sizes, colors, and designs. To make it easier for the public to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit currency notes, currency size was reduced, and standardized designs were instituted for each denomination in 1929.
Beginning in 1990, new series notes were issued with advanced features, such as a security thread and microprinting. In order to stay ahead of potential counterfeiting threats, the U.S. Government introduced redesigned $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 notes, which are currently in circulation. The current $100 note design began circulation in October 2013.
Cash Facts
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In the 1860s, an estimated 8,000 different state banks were circulating bank notes in denominations from ½ cent to $20,000. These notes came in a variety of sizes, colors, and designs, and counterfeiting was rampant. Visit the American Currency Exhibit on National Stability to learn more about the first Federal Reserve Notes issued in 1914.
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New currency designs are developed by designers at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), and the final design is approved by the Secretary of the Treasury. To learn about the process for designing and printing money, visit the BEP’s feature on “How Money is Made.”
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When a redesigned note begins circulation, it is not necessary to trade in your old design notes. It is U.S. government policy that all designs of U.S. currency remain legal tender, regardless of when they were issued. This policy includes all denominations of Federal Reserve notes, from 1914 to the present.
View the gallery of U.S. currency designs below. Images courtesy of USCurrency.gov.