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Colonial Notes
Before and after the revolution, Americans used English, Spanish and French currencies. The Massachusetts Bay Colony issued first paper money to colonies. -
Continental Currency
Colonists issued paper currency for the Congress to finance the revolutionary war. The notes were not backed and they were easily counterfeited. -
The Nation's First Bank
The Congress declared Bank of North America in Philadelphia as the first real bank to give support to the war. -
The Dollar
Dollar adopted as a unit of national currency. -
The Civil War
On the brink of bankrupcy, Congress issued paper money in form of Demand Notes. -
Greenbacks
Demand notes replaced by U.S. notes, called greenbucks because of the green tint. -
National Bank Notes
National bank notes became predominant. -
Silver Certificates
Department of Treasury authorized to issue silver certificates in exchange for silver dollars. -
Federal Reserve Act
Federal Reserve Act was passed. It created the Federal Reserve system to regulate the flow of money. -
In God We Trust
First paper currency issued with the inscription In God We Trust. -
Microprinting
Microprinting and security thread to deter counterfeiting, -
State Quarters Program
Program releases five new quarters every year over ten years. 50 quarters feature designs that honor each state. Quarters released in order the states joined the Union. -
Redesign of $5 and $10 bills
Bills redesigned to make counterfeit more difficult.
