Where and How is U.S. Paper Currency Produced?

In the United States, the production of paper currency is a highly regulated and complex process. This process is primarily handled by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), which operates two printing facilities in different parts of the country. Understanding where and how U.S. paper currency is printed is essential to dispelling common misconceptions about the process.

Facilities of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing maintains two primary locations for printing U.S. paper currency. The first facility is situated in Washington, D.C., located at 301 14th St SW, while the second facility is in Fort Worth, Texas, located at 9000 Blue Mound Rd. Both locations are not only operational centers for currency production but also offer public tours, making it possible for the public to gain insight into the detailed processes involved.

Production Process

Contrary to popular belief, the production of U.S. currency is not carried out by each Federal Reserve district. Rather, the entire process is centralized at the two facilities operated by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. This decentralization of production ensures consistency and adheres to stringent security standards.

The BEP has a structured process for determining the amount of currency to be printed. Instead of the BEP making this determination, it is the Federal Reserve banks that make the request based on their assessment of the current economic needs. This data is compiled and analyzed by the BEP, which then provides the necessary presses and technical support to meet these orders. The specific denominations and quantities requested by the Federal Reserve are carefully managed to ensure that there is no surplus or shortage of currency in circulation.

Printing Information on Currency

A common misconception is that bills printed in Fort Worth have a specialized identifier. In reality, bills from Fort Worth have a small "FW" next to one of their face plate numbers, which acts as a unique identifier for these specific batches of currency. This identifier helps track the specific origin of the currency for security and audit purposes.

The Role of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is responsible for designing and printing all U.S. paper currency. They use a variety of techniques, including engraving, duplicating, and plate numbering to create the intricate designs and security features that make U.S. bills so difficult to counterfeit. The BEP also employs advanced printing technologies, including intaglio, which involves profoundly incising the design into the printing plates and then printing it with ink.

Separation from the US Mint

Another important distinction to make is between the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the U.S. Mint. While both agencies are involved in the production of monetary instruments, they serve distinct purposes. The U.S. Mint is solely responsible for the production of coins, whereas the Bureau of Engraving and Printing specializes in paper currency. This separation helps maintain a clear division of labor and ensures that each agency can focus on its specific area of expertise.

Conclusion

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing plays a crucial role in the production of U.S. paper currency, with two main facilities in Washington D.C. and Fort Worth. By understanding the true nature of the currency production process, we can dispel common myths and gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate and secure methods employed by the BEP.