New dollar bills announced in U.S.: timeline and security updates

By: Avi Verma MD(h)

In an effort to combat counterfeiting and strengthen the security of U.S. currency, the Federal Reserve and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing are embarking on a nationwide redesign of all dollar bills. This extensive project, backed by the Advanced Counterfeit Deterrence Steering Committee and the Secret Service, aims to enhance security measures on the seven bill denominations currently in circulation — $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.

The timeline for the redesigned bills spans over the next decade, with the $10 bill set to enter circulation in 2026, followed by the $50 bill in 2028, the $20 bill in 2030, the $5 bill between 2032 and 2035, and finally, the $100 bill from 2034 to 2038. While the redesigns focus primarily on advanced security features, the government has not confirmed if the portraits or visual designs on the bills will change.

To ensure a smooth transition, damaged bills will begin to be removed from circulation at an accelerated pace. Banks and retailers will be instructed not to accept bills that show significant wear or defects, and ATMs are being reprogrammed to reject damaged currency. Customers will need to visit banks in person to exchange these bills.

New Security Features to Protect Against Counterfeiting

As the new bills roll out, they will incorporate advanced security elements, some of which have already been seen in high-denomination notes like the $100 bill. These include:

• 3D security bands: A blue band with moving symbols that shift when the bill is tilted.
• Color-shifting ink: A feature that changes the color of the number in the lower right corner from copper to green when tilted.
• Watermarks and microprinting: Designed to be visible only under close inspection, these features include a watermark of the bill’s portrait and microprinted text.
• Raised printing: Provides a rough texture on parts of the bill, notably around the portrait.

These enhanced features aim to make U.S. currency more resilient against counterfeiters and preserve the value and authenticity of the dollar for years to come.