Today’s banknotes are complex, technologically-advanced products designed to be easy for consumers to use, but thwart the most highly sophisticated counterfeiters. You, as the consumer, are the first line of defense!
Each Federal Reserve note printed by the BEP includes security and design features unique to how the denomination is used in circulation. Even with the most technologically-advanced security features, it is you – the educated user of U.S. currency – who continues to be the first and best line of defense against counterfeiting.
The BEP currently prints $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 notes. Protect yourself by learning how to check the security features in each one to make sure what you have is genuine.
It is U.S. government policy that all designs of U.S currency remain legal tender, regardless of when they were issued. This policy includes all denominations of Federal Reserve notes, from 1914 to the present.
And be sure to check out our History section for a fascinating look at U.S. currency issued prior to 1914.
Understand the main security features common across all U.S. banknotes to help quickly, easily, and discreetly determine if a note is genuine. For more information, visit www.uscurrency.gov