Producing the US dollar goes through a complex process that involves specialized equipment, combination of time-tested printing techniques and skillful craftspeople that is combined with cutting-edge and sophisticated technology.

The US paper money also includes security feature like portrait watermark that’s only visible when held up to light, 2 numeric watermarks on the 5 dollar notes, improved security thread that’s glowing under UV light, color-shifting ink that’s changing in color when tilted, micro printing and many more.

Simplified Step in Producing Paper Money

There are several steps that are involved in producing paper money actually. But we are going to generalized them into 7 basic steps.

Step number 1. The acquisition of special ink and paper.

Step number 2. Offset printing of subtle background colors for the paper money.

Step number 3. Intaglio printing that’s added to the portraits, numerals, vignettes as well as lettering for every 1 dollar, 5 dollar and 100 dollar denomination.

Step number 4. Performing thorough inspection on every paper money.

Step number 5. Overprinting of the seals and serial numbers before putting them into circulation.

Step number 6. Trimming and cutting of the money to the standards and;

Step number 7. Shrink-wrapping as well as delivery of the produced money into Federal Reserve System.

While majority of the paper that’s used for items similar to books and newspapers are made from wood pulp, paper currency is different. It is because the currency is composed of 25 percent linen and 75 percent cotton. Again, it is imprinted as well with watermark and security thread.