History of U.S. Money

First Currency

Oct 19, 1690

Americans used English, Spanish, and French.

U.S. Mint

Oct 19, 1792

The Federal Monetary System was established with the creation of the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia . First coins were struck in 1793.

Growth of Banking

Oct 18, 1811

100 state banks in the U.S.

Demand Notes

Oct 18, 1861

Congress authorized the printing of $60 million demand notes

Civil War

Oct 19, 1861

Almost bankrupt, Congress had to fund the Civil War, they put paper money in cerculation, to replace the interest bearing Treasury Notes and Demand Notes.

Gold Certificates

Oct 18, 1863

The government issued gold certificates (paper currency backed by gold with the U.S. Treasury).

Design

Oct 19, 1863

U.S. currency uses Treasury seal, geometric patterns, and cotton linen paper with blue and red fibers

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Oct 19, 1877

Department of the Treasury's Bureau of Engraving and Printing starting printing all currency.