August 28, 2012 - U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing Begins Operations


– 1862

These are the guys who design and print U.S. money. 

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing also designs and prints some other special government items: Treasury securities, military commissions and award certificates, invitations and admission cards, and ID cards, forms, and other special security documents.

Notice all this stuff is printed on paper (although some is plasticized). You may think, well, not ALL money is paper—what about coins? But the BEP only creates paper currency; an entirely different organization, the U.S. mint, produces coins.

If you ever visit Washington, D.C., or Fort Worth, Texas, be sure to take the tour of the BEP and watch money being made. In the meantime, check out this one-two-three-part video.
Money around the world

Check out all the different paper currency from all over the globe.  I rather like Hong Kong's dollars and Nepal's rupees. What's your favorite? (By the way, be sure to check out Zimbabwe's one-hundred trillion dollar bill. Wh-wh-what???)

Design your own money

The BEP website has a program that helps you to decide your own bill. For a ton more freedom to design any sort of bill you want, of course, get out some paper and colored pencils and draw your very own! 

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