May 04, 2025
How Money Is Made: Behind the Scenes
Paper money was first issued by the U.S. government in 1861 to fund Civil War expenses, marking the beginning of modern currency
Designing the Dollar Final currency designs are approved by the Secretary of the Treasury. Designing a new note can take several years and involves multiple hands
Engraving the Master Plate Once the design is finalized, an engraver recreates it in steel. Individual engraved elements are combined to form the complete face or back of a banknote
Protecting the Master Plate After completion, the master plate is washed with deionized water and soaked in a vibrant orange potassium bichromate solution to prevent rusting
The Material of Money Money isn't made from regular paper. It's printed on a material composed of 75% cotton and 25% linen, giving it durability and a unique feel
Special Inks for Security The inks used for printing money have trackable magnetic and color-shifting properties, making counterfeiting more challenging
The Color Green Green was originally selected for U.S. dollars as a deterrent for counterfeiters, adding an extra layer of security
Drying and Inspection Description: After a 72-hour drying process, the freshly printed currency undergoes rigorous physical and mechanical inspections to ensure quality
Distribution Once approved, the currency sheets are cut, packaged, and transferred to the Federal Reserve, ready to enter circulation
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