Federal Reserve notes are manufactured by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) under stringent quality standards set by the Federal Reserve Board, the BEP, and the United States Secret Service. As U.S. currency is subjected to a variety of adverse conditions during circulation, such as accidental washing (laundering) with household clothing; the robustness of all materials used in the manufacture of U.S. currency is a fundamental consideration, and proposed designs undergo a variety of durability tests to mimic conditions notes may encounter during circulation. It is possible for the 3-D Security Ribbon to become damaged as a result of exposure to adverse environments during circulation. This does not affect the authenticity of the note, nor does it affect the functionality of the feature. For further technical information regarding quality and testing procedures at the BEP, please contact the BEP at: https://www.bep.gov/contact-us Please note, it is always best to rely on a combination of security features to authenticate U.S. currency, such as the portrait watermark and color-shifting ink. To learn more about the security and design features in U.S. currency, including when each redesigned note was first introduced, visit our website, www.uscurrency.gov.