FAQs About Redesigned Currency
Why does the U.S. government redesign currency? (show answer)
We want to keep counterfeiting low, and to do that, we have to stay ahead of counterfeiters. They aren’t standing still, and neither can we.
When a denomination is redesigned are the old notes recalled, demonetized or devalued? (show answer)
No. It’s important to know that it is not necessary to trade in your old-design notes for new ones. All U.S. currency remains legal tender, regardless of when it was issued.
How are new currency designs developed? Who selects the colors? (show answer)
The banknote designers at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing develop new currency designs and work closely with an interagency research and development team which is responsible for updates to security features. The designers select a note’s colors based on its security features, design elements and the multiple layers of complexity in its architecture. Final approval of all currency designs rests with the Secretary of the Treasury.
Remember, people shouldn’t rely on color to check that their money is real because color is not a security feature, and can be easily reproduced. Checking security features is the most reliable way to verify a note’s authenticity.
What is the incentive for people to scrutinize their currency? (show answer)
It’s simple. If you end up with a counterfeit note, you will lose that money. A counterfeit note cannot be exchanged for a genuine one, and it is illegal to knowingly pass counterfeit currency.
What should people do if they receive a counterfeit note? (show answer)
If you think you’ve received a counterfeit note and live in the United States, immediately notify the local police.
If you live outside the United States and want to report counterfeit currency, you should notify the U.S. Secret Service field office in your region. The Law Enforcement section of this website offers contact information for U.S Secret Service field offices around the world.
Also, try to note the physical characteristics of the person who tried to pass the fake note, and if possible write down their license plate number and description of any vehicle they drove. If you have accepted the counterfeit note already, store it apart from genuine currency so that you don’t confuse it with the real thing, and release it as soon as possible to law enforcement authorities.
When will I start to see the new $100 note in circulation? (show answer)
Once it is issued, any commercial bank around the world that orders $100 notes from the Federal Reserve will have its order filled with the new design. Distance, demand for currency, and the policy of individual banks will be the deciding factors in how quickly redesigned $100 notes reach the public, both in the United States and in international markets.
FAQs About Training and Education
Where can I find training materials to help educate cash handlers about the new $100 note’s security features? (show answer)
The U.S. government has developed a suite of training materials to help businesses and organizations that work with cash become familiar with the changes to the $100 note. These materials are currently available for download. Hard copies of free educational and training materials will be available for order after the Federal Reserve Board announces a new day of issue for the redesigned $100 note.
Can the training materials be customized for businesses and organizations? (show answer)
Yes. Training materials have been developed to help businesses and organizations educate their employees, members and customers about the redesigned $100 note. The Education Resource Kit, for example, includes a newsletter article and camera-ready art that can be used in customized communications and training.
What is the government doing to make sure retailers, financial institutions and other businesses know that changes are coming to the $100 note? (show answer)
To ensure a seamless introduction of the new $100 note, the U.S. government is conducting a global public education program to inform those who use the note about the new design. However, we need your help to spread the word and make sure everyone who handles cash is aware of the changes to the redesigned $100 note.
As a result, we are asking business and organizations to help educate employees, members, customers and other cash handlers so everyone has the necessary tools to recognize and accept the new $100 note. These materials are currently available for download. Hard copies of free educational and training materials will be available for order after the Federal Reserve Board announces a new day of issue for the redesigned $100 note. We encourage you to take a look at those resources to help familiarize yourself with the upcoming changes and identify ways to help educate your teams.
Is there time to train employees and update equipment before the redesigned notes enter into circulation? (show answer)
Yes. To ensure that businesses have time to plan and prepare for the introduction of the new $100 note, the Federal Reserve Board will allow at least six months between the announcement of an issue date and the day of issue for the new design.
Will both old-design and redesigned $100 notes circulate at the same time? (show answer)
Yes. Both old- and new-design notes will circulate at the same time. It is not necessary to trade in old-design notes for new ones. All U.S. currency remains legal tender, regardless of when it was issued.
What role did business and industry input play in the redesign of the $100 note? (show answer)
Over a decade of research and development went into the redesigned $100 note’s security features. As part of that process, we listened to businesses and consumers who asked for features they could check discreetly, without holding the note to light, as is necessary to check the watermark and security thread. You can check the two new advanced security features in the redesigned $100 note – the 3-D Security Ribbon and the Bell in the Inkwell – more discreetly than the others.
What role does business and industry have in ensuring a smooth transition when the $100 note enters into circulation?(show answer)
To ensure a smooth transition, the U.S. government is asking everyone to familiarize themselves with the redesigned $100 note’s security features. We are asking businesses and organizations to assist in this education effort by encouraging people who use the $100 note to learn about its new, easy-to-use security features. View the complete list of training materials and create your own “library” of materials that best meet your needs. These materials are currently available for download. Hard copies of free educational and training materials will be available for order after the Federal Reserve Board announces a new day of issue for the redesigned $100 note.
What should cash handlers and the public do if they receive a counterfeit note? (show answer)
If you suspect you have received a counterfeit note, contact your local police department or United States Secret Service field office. Write your initials and the date in the border of the suspect note. Remember to limit the handling of the note and carefully place it in a protective covering, such as an envelope. Surrender the note only to a police officer or a U.S. Secret Service agent.
Do counterfeit pens work on the redesigned $100 notes? (show answer)
We encourage you to use the security features if you are suspicious of a note. It only takes a few seconds to check the features to be reassured that the note you have is real.
Counterfeit pens are designed to detect paper that is wood-based (like plain copier paper) by leaving a black mark on the note. When used on genuine U.S. currency – including the redesigned $100 note, which is printed on paper made of cotton and linen, they leave a faint yellow or clear mark. You should know, however, that such pens will not detect all counterfeits. Some counterfeiters use paper that is not wood-based and thus might not be revealed as fake by a counterfeit detector pen.
FAQs About Educational Games and Resources
Where can teachers find materials to use in their classrooms? (show answer)
Where can teachers find information on tours of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing? (show answer)
Tours are offered at Bureau of Engraving and Printing facilities in Washington, D.C., and Fort Worth, Texas. The tours feature various stages of currency production, beginning with large, blank sheets of paper, and ending with wallet-ready notes.
Get more information about tours at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing facilities
For updated information about tour hours and closures, please contact:
Washington, D.C. Tour Office
1-866-874-2330 (toll-free) or 1-202-874-2330 (local)
Fort Worth Facility Tour and Visitor Center
1-866-865-1194 (toll-free) or 1-817-231-4000 (local)
Are there lesson plans available about the new currency?
The redesigned currency public education program includes free classroom education materials that meet or exceed national education standards. Visit the Youth Education main page.
There are also several lesson plans developed with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and USA Today available at http://www.usatoday.com/foundation/initiatives.html.
Are there lesson plans available about the new currency? (show answer)
The redesigned currency public education program includes free classroom education materials that meet or exceed national education standards. Visit the Youth Education main page.
There are also several lesson plans developed with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and USA Today available at http://www.usatoday.com/foundation/initiatives.html.