Raised Printing
Move your finger along the note's surface to feel the raised printing, which gives genuine Federal Reserve notes their distinctive texture.
Paper
Federal Reserve note paper is one-fourth linen and three-fourths cotton, and contains red and blue security fibers.
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Federal Reserve Bank Seal
A black seal to the left of the portrait bears the name and corresponding letter of the distributing Federal Reserve Bank.
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Treasury Seal
A green seal to the right of the portrait represents the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The design of the seal was changed to incorporate an English inscription and appears on all Federal Reserve notes of the 1969 series year or later.
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Portrait and Vignette
The $1 note featuresa portrait of George Washington on the front of the note and an image of the Great Seal of the United States on the back of the note.
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Serial Numbers
A combination of eleven numbers and letters appears twice on the front of the note.
Raised Printing
Move your finger along the note's surface to feel the raised printing, which gives genuine Federal Reserve notes their distinctive texture.
Paper
Federal Reserve note paper is one-fourth linen and three-fourths cotton, and contains red and blue security fibers.
The $1 Federal Reserve note was issued in 1963, and its design—featuring President George Washington and the Great Seal of the United States—remains unchanged.
Downloads
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Carnival Thrills and Dollar Bills
An illustrated book about U.S. currency for elementary students.
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Cashier Toolkit
A guide to identifying genuine currency for cashiers.
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Teller Toolkit
A guide to identifying genuine currency for tellers.
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Play Money Coloring Sheets
These printable coloring sheets of denominations $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, and $100 are intended for children, parents, and teachers.
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$1 Note (1963-Present)
Explore security and design features of the $1note, issued 1963-present.
History
1861
Demand Notes
In order to finance the Civil War, Congress authorizes the U.S. Department of the Treasury to issue non-interest-bearing Demand Notes. These notes earn the nickname “greenbacks” because of their color. All U.S. currency issued since 1861 remains valid and redeemable at full face value.
1862
United States Notes
Congress authorizes a new class of currency, known as “United States notes,” or “Legal Tender notes.” These notes are characterized by a red seal and serial number. They continue to circulate until 1971.
1862
The Foundation of Modern Design
By 1862, the Demand Notes incorporate fine-line engraving, intricate geometric lathe work patterns, a U.S. Department of the Treasury seal, and engraved signatures to aid in counterfeit deterrence. To this day, U.S. currency continues to add features to deter counterfeiting.
1869
Centralized Printing of United States Notes
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing begins engraving and printing the faces and seals of U.S. banknotes. Before this, U.S. banknotes were produced by private banknote companies and then sent to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing for sealing, trimming, and cutting.
1889
Names Added to Portraits
Legislation mandates that all banknotes and other securities containing portraits include the name of the individual below the portrait. This is why you see names below the portraits on banknotes to this day.
1913
Federal Reserve Act
The Federal Reserve Act of 1913 establishes the Federal Reserve as the nation’s central bank and provides for a national banking system that is more responsive to the fluctuating financial needs of the country. The Federal Reserve Board issues new currency called Federal Reserve notes.
1929
Standardization of Design
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.
1957
"In God We Trust"
Following a 1955 law requiring “In God We Trust” on all currency, the motto first appears on banknotes on series 1957 $1 silver certificates, then on 1963 series Federal Reserve notes.
1971
United States Notes Discontinued
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.
Featured
Currency Image Use Restrictions
$1 Note Life Cycle
Before a Federal Reserve note enters circulation, it must pass through four critical steps: design, order, production, and issuance.
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2.17
Billion Notes
2018 FY Print Order
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$12.1
Billion
2017 Value in Circulation
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5.8
Years
Estimated Lifespan
Media
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Symbols and Signs of the Time
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2024 Professional Cash Handler Webinar Series
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news
Professional Cash Handler Webinars in Spanish will be Hosted in April
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news
Women’s Impact in the History of U.S. Currency
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news
Professional Cash Handler Webinar
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news
Introducing the Cash Assist iOS app
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news
Cash Codebreakers: New Educational Game for Middle School Students
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news
New Digital Resources Available on uscurrency.gov
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news
Introduce Students to Currency with a New Children’s Book
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U.S. Secret Service Launches Counterfeit Prevention Campaign ahead of Holiday Shopping Season
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Symbols in the Seal
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Camera Ready Currency
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Banknote Bonanza
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The Magic Behind the ATM
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Once More, with Feeling
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How Does U.S. Currency Get Into Circulation?
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news
U.S. Currency Education Program Launches USCURRENCY.GOV as New Central Hub for Education and Training Resources
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Does the Fed Print Money?
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"The Basics" on U.S. Currency
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What should I do if I suspect that I've received a counterfeit note?
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How does the Federal Reserve Board determine how much money to order?
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Recent Changes in the Production of Federal Reserve notes