Posts tagged counterfeiting us currency

Since the first dollar bill was issued in 1785, the United States has branded the buck with pride. Our founding father’s faces are seen on each bill and the official seal is imprinted for authentification. Very much like promotional items, our United States bills are recognizable by their familiar imprints.

However, with technological advancements in copy and print, some people have become too familiar with our government imprints and have mastered the art of counterfeiting money. This surge in counterfeit cash forced the government to re-design bills and in affect re-think the branding of our most recognized American product.

Counterfeiting US Currency

After new designs were adopted in 1928, the $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 dollar bills stayed true to their design for almost seven decades. But in 1996, a rise in counterfeit money forced the US Department of the Treasury to issue new, security enhanced bills. It has now become policy to issue newly designed bills every 7-10 years. And today marks the makeover year for the grand daddy, hundred dollar bill. What’s the trend in the latest slew of re-designed bills? Color.

New $100 Bill

Gone are the days of simple water marks. They’re just not good enough anymore. And no longer can we refer to our Benjamin’s as, “green.” Because as seen on the new $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills, we’re dealing with some Technicolor currency. I’m all for proactive security measures. Watermarks, security threads and special seals and are necessary to preserving our national bank system. But did we need to do it rainbow style? I personally enjoy my standard green bills.

This latest addition of colorful bills lacks the “bang” factor that a stack of all green bills possesses. The branding addition of color has me wondering, is the U.S. government is being sponsored by Matel. Our currency is looking more and more like Monopoly money.

Monopoly Paper Money

The Department of the Treasury Bureau of Engraving and Printing showcases the New $100 Note in a video. Check out the new additions and take note of the sub heading. “Know Its Features. Know It’s Real.” I had to repeat that in my head as I observed the shiny 3-D blue security ribbon. Still, I’m not convinced. So I’ll pocket this new $100 bill and use it to bail me out of jail – twice. Hopefully the Monopoly Man doesn’t think it’s counterfeit.