Dollar bills fanned out artistically

Dollar bills fanned out in a fan reveal details of the design and security of the world's most traded currency.

About this subject

The U.S. dollar, officially adopted in 1785, is the world's primary reserve currency, held in about 60% of global foreign exchange reserves. Current banknotes, issued by the Federal Reserve, feature portraits of historical figures such as George Washington ($1) and Benjamin Franklin ($100). Each note incorporates complex security features: security threads, watermarks, microprinting, and color-shifting ink. The design, updated periodically, aims to deter counterfeiting, which accounts for less than 0.01% of the value in circulation. Production is handled by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, which prints billions of notes annually. A fan of spread-out bills, common in stock photography, symbolizes wealth, prosperity, or informal financial transactions. Interestingly, the currency is made of 75% cotton and 25% linen, providing greater durability than regular paper. The most widely circulated note is the $100 bill, representing over 80% of the total value printed. The dollar is also the official currency of several countries, such as Ecuador and El Salvador, and is accepted in many others for tourist transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main security features of U.S. dollar bills?

Dollar bills include security threads, watermarks, microprinting, color-shifting ink, and raised printing. These features make counterfeiting difficult.

Why is the dollar considered a global reserve currency?

The dollar is widely used in international transactions and held by central banks due to the stability of the U.S. economy and the liquidity of the dollar market.

Which dollar bill is most common in circulation?

The $100 bill is the most common by value, representing over 80% of total printed value, though the $1 bill is more numerous by count.