Is the Treasury Department going to change the designs on U.S. paper money?
Most people are now aware that the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) issued newly-designed currency notes beginning in 1996. The current design effort is a response to the need to anticipate potential problems with counterfeiting and to prevent criminals from abusing United States paper currency. Research for counterfeit deterrent features is a continuing process that has already resulted in two recent features being added. These features are not readily visible to the naked eye. Specifically, there is an embedded polyester thread identifying the denomination, and microprinting around the portrait on the face of the note. Neither of these recent changes altered the appearance of American paper currency. The thread is visible with the naked eye, but only if you hold the note up to a light source. The microprinting is visible only under a magnifying glass. These features cannot be picked up by a copying machine. This is how many counterfeiters produce currency notes today. The Treas
