On
May 13, 2003, the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing
unveiled the next generation of paper money! The new
Series 2004 $20 bill marks the first time Andrew
Jackson, "old Hickory" is freed from the oval circle and
displays a blend of blue, peach and green pastel colors.
No longer just the "greenback" this attractive use of
color is among the latest steps taken by the government
to foil counterfeiters. (The $20 Gold Certificate of
1905 was the last time any U.S. paper money had a
colored background.) Other features are an image of a
large blue eagle to Jackson's left and the words TWENTY
USA, USA TWENTY below the U.S. Treasury emblem. On back,
dozens of small yellow numeral 20s are imprinted.
Security features from the earlier 1996 redesign were
continued in this newest series. Although the new $20
design was introduced, the notes will not actually enter
circulation until some time this fall. Because the $20
is the most often counterfeited denominations, it was
redesigned first. New designs for the $50 and $100 notes
will debut in 2004 and 2005. Be watching for these to
turn up at banks and in your change.
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