The United States currency and coins have a rich history, with many fascinating facts and stories behind them. From the design of the bills to the materials used to make them, there is much to learn about US currency and coins.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 interesting facts about US currency and coins, including their history, design, and security features.
1. The $1 Bill Hasn’t Changed Much Since 1928
The design of the $1 bill has remained largely unchanged since 1928, with only minor updates to the portrait of George Washington and the addition of the motto “In God We Trust” in 1957.
2. The $100 Bill Has the Most Security Features
The $100 bill has the most security features of any US bill, including a 3D security ribbon, color-shifting ink, and a watermark portrait of Benjamin Franklin.
3. The First Paper Currency Was Issued During the Civil War
The first paper currency in the United States was issued during the Civil War to help finance the war effort. These bills were known as “greenbacks” because of their green ink.
4. The $2 Bill Is Rarely Used
The $2 bill is one of the rarest US bills in circulation, with only about 1% of all bills in circulation being $2 bills.
5. The Nickel Is Made of 75% Copper
The US nickel is made of 75% copper and 25% nickel, and has been in circulation since 1866.
6. The Penny Costs More to Make Than It’s Worth
It costs more than one cent to produce a penny, making it the only US coin that costs more to make than it’s worth.
7. The Quarter Was First Issued in 1796
The US quarter was first issued in 1796 and has undergone many design changes over the years, featuring different images of George Washington and other historical figures.
8. The Dime Was First Issued in 1796
The US dime was first issued in 1796 and features a portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was instrumental in the founding of the March of Dimes.
9. The Half Dollar Is Rarely Used
The US half dollar is one of the rarest coins in circulation, with few businesses accepting them and many people mistaking them for quarters.
10. The $10 Bill Features a Woman for the First Time in Over a Century
In 2020, the US Treasury announced that the $10 bill would feature a woman for the first time in over a century. The new bill is expected to be released in 2026.
11. The $20 Bill Will Feature Harriet Tubman
The US Treasury has announced that the $20 bill will feature Harriet Tubman, an abolitionist and political activist who helped free slaves through the Underground Railroad.
12. The $50 Bill Features a Portrait of Ulysses S. Grant
The $50 bill features a portrait of Ulysses S. Grant, who served as the 18th President of the United States and played a key role in the Union victory during the Civil War.
13. The $2 Bill Features a Portrait of Thomas Jefferson
The $2 bill features a portrait of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and author of the Declaration of Independence.
14. The US Mint Produces Over 28 Billion Coins Each Year
The US Mint produces over 28 billion coins each year, including pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and half dollars.
15. The US Currency and Coins Are Made in Different Locations
The US currency is printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington D.C., while the US coins are produced by the US Mint in Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco, and West Point.
Summary
In conclusion, US currency and coins have a rich history and many interesting facts and stories behind them. From the design of the bills to the materials used to make them, there is much to learn about US currency and coins.
By exploring these 15 interesting facts, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the history and significance of US currency and coins.
