ARA) - Need change for a $20? On Oct. 9, the U.S. government will begin issuing the newly redesigned Series 2004 $20 notes, featuring background colors and improved security features. Throughout the country on that day, the Federal Reserve System will issue the new notes to the public through the nation's banks.

“Our aim is the seamless introduction of the newly redesigned bills,” said Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) director Tom Ferguson. “We have been working with businesses and industry associations across the country to provide them with the materials they need to educate their employees on the new $20 note and its updated security features.”

Over 37 million pieces of training materials have been distributed thus far, over 1 million people have gone to the Web site www.moneyfactory.com/newmoney to learn more, and the information is available in 22 languages.

To stay ahead of counterfeiters and advances in digital reproduction technology, the U.S. government plans to introduce new currency designs every seven to 10 years. The new design for the $20 note will be followed by new designs for the $50 and $100 bills in 2004 and 2005 respectively.

The new $20 is safer, smarter and more secure because it's harder to fake and easier to check. The new design retains three important security features that were first introduced in the late 1990s:

* The watermark -- the faint image similar to the large portrait, which is part of the paper itself and is visible from both sides when held up to the light.

* The security thread -- also visible from both sides when held up to the light, this vertical strip of plastic is embedded in the paper. “USA TWENTY” and a small flag are visible along the thread.

* The color-shifting ink -- the numeral “20” in the lower-right corner on the face of the note changes from copper to green when the note is tilted. The color shift is more dramatic and easier to see on the new-design notes.

The most noticeable difference in the new $20 bill is the subtle green, peach and blue colors featured in the background. Different colors will be used for each denomination, which will help everyone -- particularly those who are visually impaired -- to tell the denominations apart.

The new bills will remain the same size and will use the same, but enhanced, portraits and historical images. The series' redesign will feature new symbols of freedom -- on the new $20 bill it will be a large blue eagle in the background to the left of the portrait, and a small metallic green eagle and shield to the right of the portrait. While the look of the nation's currency will undergo subtle changes, all notes -- new or old -- will be honored at their full face value. All bills are good, for good.

Courtesy of ARA Content


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Courtesy of ARA Content