Beginning in 1996, the government has been adding advanced security features to our paper money - the first major design change since 1928. Advanced copying technologies have helped raise the incidence of counterfeiting. Ink jet printers, color copiers, and scanners are just a few tools criminals use to create bogus notes.

In keeping with the strategy of maintaining the security of our currency by enhancing the designs every 7 - 10 years, a new series of U.S. currency is being issued, beginning with the $20 note which entered circulation on October 9, 2003, followed by the $50 note which was issued on September 28, 2004. The redesigned $10 note entered circulation on March 2, 2006. The redesigned $5 note entered circulation on March 13, 2008. The $100 note is also slated to be redesigned, but a timetable for its introduction is not yet set. The government has no plans to redesign the $1 and $2 notes.

Click here to learn more about the new currency designs.