How Does U.S. Currency Get Into Circulation?
Michael Lambert, associate director for the U.S. Currency Program at the Federal Reserve Board, discusses how U.S. currency gets into circulation.
How does the Federal Reserve Board determine how much money to order?
Michael Lambert, associate director for the U.S. Currency Program at the Federal Reserve Board, discusses how the annual order for new currency is determined.
"The Basics" on U.S. Currency
Get a brief overview of U.S. currency, including the denominations and series in circulation, as well as the design process.
What should I do if I suspect that I've received a counterfeit note?
This video answers the question of what you should do if you suspect that you've received a counterfeit note.
The Magic Behind the ATM
Do you know how money ends up in your local ATM? In this episode, we explain how Federal Reserve notes make their way from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to ATMs.
Once More, with Feeling
Have you ever noticed how U.S. currency feels? In this episode, we discuss why U.S. currency feels rough to the touch and how that plays a role in determining whether our money is genuine.
Security Thread and Microprinting
1990
A security thread and microprinting are introduced in Federal Reserve notes to deter counterfeiting by copiers and printers. The features first appear in Series 1990 $100 notes. By Series 1993, the features appeared on all denominations except $1 and $2 notes.
United States Notes Discontinued
1971
Because United States notes no longer served any function not already adequately met by Federal Reserve notes, their issuance was discontinued and, beginning in 1971, no new United States notes were placed into circulation.
Standardization of Design
1929
The appearance of U.S. banknotes changes greatly in 1929. In an effort to lower manufacturing costs, all Federal Reserve notes are made about 30 percent smaller—measuring 6.14 x 2.61 inches, rather than 7.375 x 3.125 inches. In addition, standardized designs are instituted for each denomination, decreasing the number of designs in circulation and making it easier for the public to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit notes.