The New Color of Money

When you see an unusual flash of color on a $20 bill you're handed, be advised - it is not "play money," and your eyes are probably not deceiving you. Advances in technology are making digital counterfeiting easier and cheaper and as a result, the U.S. government is rolling out new designs for our currency every 7-10 years, beginning with the $20 bill.

The most noticeable difference in the notes is the subtle green, peach and blue colors featured in the background. Different colors will be used for different denominations, which will help everyone - particularly those who are visually impaired - to tell denominations apart. The redesign also features symbols of freedom - a large blue eagle in the background and a smaller metallic green eagle and shield to the right of the portrait. Also, small yellow 20s are printed on the back of the $20 note.

While color makes counterfeiting more difficult, it should not be used to check a bill's authenticity. Instead, look for the three security features that are difficult for counterfeiters to reproduce well:

* Watermark: A faint image, similar to the portrait, which is part of the paper itself and is visible from both sides when held up to the light.

* Security Thread: Also visible from both sides when held up to the light, this vertical strip of plastic is embedded in the paper and spells out the denomination in tiny print.

* Color-Shifting Ink: The number in the lower right corner on the face of the note, indicating its denomination, dramatically changes color from copper to green when the note is tilted.

Despite these changes, the new U.S. currency retains many of the traditional features, including the size, texture, predominant green color and slightly enhanced portraits and historical images. Older-design $20 notes will gradually be replaced by new-design notes, although both will continue to be legal currency at full face value. New designs for the $5, $10, $20 and $50 notes are already in circulation, and the $100 note is planned. A redesign of the $2 and $1 notes is not planned.

We ordered some of the free training materials made available to train yourself and your staff about the new currency, including a video, training CD-ROM, posters, and brochures. They even include a customizable letter to send to employees or managers at multiple units/stores, newsletter text (the short version was used for this Trade Secret), and graphics you can use in your own training materials.

We've gathered some of the materials here for downloading, customizing, etc. There is also an order form for obtaining the video, brochures, CD-ROM, etc. Or you can visit the Treasury's Web site at www.moneyfactory.com/newmoney or call 1-877-639-2877.