The (new) color of money

[mf_dolphin]

Unveiling of the new $20 -- an effort to thwart counterfeiters -- is set for March 27.

March 5, 2003: 11:30 AM EST
By Jonah Freedman, CNN/Money contributing writer



NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - American cash will get a colorful facelift in three weeks, USA Today reports.


The Bureau of Engraving and Printing will unveil a new $20 bill that will introduce a predominant but subtle color into the background, marking the first time in modern history that a bill will feature a color other than green.

According to the report, other changes will include new images of Andrew Jackson and the White House, as well as other adjustments that are being kept secret. The official unveiling will take place on March 27, with the new bill entering circulation in the fall.


The Secret Service has said that a large portion of counterfeit money in circulation is computer-generated, and the new features will help curb a steady rise in fake cash. The last redesign of American currency was in 1996, when a new $100 bill was introduced with new features to thwart counterfeiters. A new $50 came in 1997, followed by the $20 in 1998 and new $5 and $10 notes in 2000.

New features on those notes included color-shifting ink, which appeared black from one angle and green from another; a watermark, visible only when holding the bill up to the light; and a security strip that ran vertically through the bill. USA Today reports these features also will be included on the new redesigned bills.

[wx247]

That's neat. I have always said that they should make bills red,white, and blue but this will work for now anyways!


Garrett

[sunny shine]

If everyone would go back to when they first changed the 20 dollar bill. The government informed the public that this change was to deter counterfeiting. Well, two days after that statement the money was duplicated and put into circulation as counterfeit money. lol.

They can change it all they want. It will just make the criminals work harder to prove their point. When this new money does go into circulation, I can't wait to see how long it takes counterfeiters to duplicate it.

[chadtm80]

They can change it all they want. It will just make the criminals work harder to prove their point. When this new money does go into circulation, I can't wait to see how long it takes counterfeiters to duplicate it.

100% correct. But at least we get color full money this time. hehe

[Amanzi]

South African money is very pretty, (pitty it is not worth the paper it is printed on) It is lovely to look at!

[sunny shine]

LOL @ Chad. You have a colorful point.

Amanzi... you are correct. I have never seen African money until now. Very nice.

[wx247]

That is pretty Amanzi. I want colorful money like that!!!

Garrett

[JQ Public]

I like the idea. The color is probably a harder thing to duplicate. The bills in Australia are colorful and made out of a type of plastic (i believe) that makes them hard to rip...and probably hard to duplicate as well. Its just weird that by the time i have kids they will always know money as being a bunch of different colors rather than just green!

[streetsoldier]

Amanzi, is South Africa still minting Krugerrand coins? I was paid with two of them (about the size of a half-dollar, and 999. pure gold) for a portrait in pastels I did once, and I still have the coins in safe-deposit.

[gator]

Like computer hackers to new security features, Counterfitters will rise to the challenge that is set before them...

I don't know about other folks, but I don't feel comfortable carrying around anything above $20's. Of course, most of the fakes out there probably are $20's... but I get antsy whenever I see people whip out 50's and 100's... I guess there is just more at stake to lose if it isn't real...

(which reminds me of that $2-bill urban legend... you know the one I'm talking about... )

- gator.

[JQ Public]

haha no i don't know what you're talking about. Those are real though right!/!?

[Amanzi]

Krugers are a wonderful investment Streetsoldier! Hang on to them! I have a little one on a chain (1\4 kruger!)

I am pretty sure they are still being minted, the last one I remember being something special was the 2000 edition.

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In the early 1970’s, when it was illegal for United States Citizens to own gold coins, Krugerrand gold coins became the most successful bullion coins in history. At the time of their release, the Krugerrands were unique world gold coins.

In those days, the concept of minting a series of gold coins containing exactly one ounce of gold, without a face value, was a first. The Krugerrands value changed daily and moved in accord with the daily gold price on world markets.

One Full Ounce of Gold - Each Krugerrand gold coin contains an exact amount of pure gold, added to that is a small amount of copper to provide durability. Thus the coins are made of 22 carat alloy and their mass is a little more than the fine gold indicated on each coin.

Historic Design - The obverse depicts Paul Kruger, President of the original South African Republic from 1883 to 1902, and the reverse shows a spectacular Springbok, the national animal of South Africa.

A Lasting Symbol of Wealth - Today, the Gold Krugerrand gold coin still retains its status as an international symbol of wealth and prestige. As such, they are easily traded worldwide anytime you get ready to sell.

[streetsoldier]

The two I have are dated 1975 and 1978; they are still untouched, and the ONLY thing I refuse to sell off when we have the perennial "cash-flow" problem.

The most interesting thing about them is that the man who paid me with them was Hugh Hefner, for a portrait of a lovely lady commissioned for his private collection at Lake Geneva (and no, it wasn't "cheesecake"; just a head-to-shoulders classical portrait, you lechers!)

[gator]

Yes JQ... $2-bills are in fact REAL...

The Urban Legend I'm referring to can be found here.

- gator.

[chadtm80]

were getting a new six dollar bill
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or is it the sex dollar bill?
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[mf_dolphin]

Is that good for one or two interns????

[Amanzi]

HEHEHE MF. I also had a good giggle at "Monica Blowinski"

[coriolis]

STREETSOLDIER! Another good story! You should write your memiors.

And don't get me started about slick willie. I get sooooo upset.

[streetsoldier]

coriolis, if I were to write my memoirs, few would believe them!

I've dined with corporate giants at $1.000 a plate dinners...and I've shared a can of tuna with two other people in a common-rented room in a transient hotel, when we hadn't a dime between us.

I've had to kill....and taken great pains to save lives.

I was trained in every sort of armed and unarmed combat, and patiently cultivated in the fine and performing arts.

I've been a power-broker, and a pauper; a soldier, and a poet; a thoroughgoing authoritarian, and a gentle, compassionate counselor.

I have had more academic honors than I have wallspace to hang them, yet the greatest achievement I possess is in the person of a 5' 11", red-haired, blue-eyed, left-handed young man who carries my name into the new millenium.

I appear hardened and canny, but still find myself in tears over the idiocy I view every day.

But, thanks for the thought, coriolis...I appreciate it.

[CajunMama]

It really doesn't matter what color money is. I can spend any color, any denomination without any problems I can spend it rather quickly too! I loooooove to impulse shop.