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.
Michael Lambert, associate director for the U.S. Currency Program at the Federal Reserve Board, discusses how U.S. currency gets into circulation.
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.
Get a brief overview of U.S. currency, including the denominations and series in circulation, as well as the design process.
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.
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.