INCREASED SECURITY AT THE BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING - Jim Colyer

SECURITY FEATURES TO STOP COUNTERFEITERS Counterfeiters use sophisticated technology like ink jet printers and scanners. Fake notes are hard for cash handlers to detect. The United States government has added security features to money to fight counterfeiting. So far, three notes have been redesigned. The $20 note was redesigned in 2003. Background colors were added, shades of peach and blue. The number "20" in the lower right corner is printed in color-shifting ink. Its color changes from copper to green as the bill is moved back and forth. The redesigned notes have symbols of freedom on them. Two blue eagles are on the $20. Hold it up to the light, and a watermark of Andrew Jackson's portrait is visible. The watermark is in the paper. The $50 note was given a new look in 2004. Different colors are being used for different denominations. Red and blue are the colors for $50. Again, the number "50" in the lower right corner turns from copper to green. The American flag is the symbol of freedom. Three red stripes and a metallic, blue star can be seen to the right of Ulysses S. Grant. Grant's portrait is the watermark. In 2006, the $10 has undergone changes. Its colors are orange, yellow and red. The introduction of colors to the new money marks the first time in modern history that any ink but green and black have been used. There are two images of the Statue of Libery torch on the $10. The torch is red. We see that different symbols of freedom are used for different denominations. Alexander Hamilton's portrait is the watermark. All three of the new notes have a security thread, a vertical strip containing a small flag. The government will employ new security designs about every ten years to stay ahead of counterfeiters. At the same time, the notes will retain their historical symbols and be easily recognized around the world as American money. There are plans to redesign the $100 bill. It will be next. There are no plans for the $5, $2 or $1 simply because counterfeiters specialize in large bills. Ironically, counterfeiters will know of security changes long before the general public. Still, they will have to work harder to print fake currency. The added effort will to some degree be a deterrent.
JIM COLYER