Digital Watermark with Dave Kranz

BEP delays on-sale date for Cleveland $2 product

David — Wed, 28 May 2008 15:06:30 GMT

The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing will not put the 2008 $2 Single Note for the Cleveland Federal Reserve district on sale June 2 as had been announced and reported.

An e-mail received from the BEP May 27 said: "Due to system maintenance the Bureau of Engraving and Printing will postpone the release of the 2008 $2 Single Cleveland Note. Please check our website www.moneyfactory.gov for the future availability of this product."

Claudia Dickens of BEP's external relations staff said that no new on-sale date for the Cleveland installment was immediately available.

Twelve 2008 $2 Single Note products are planned to be released in calendar year 2008, one from each of the 12 Federal Reserve districts, a limited of 10,000 placed on each installment. They have been going on sale roughly one district per month. Included in each package is one Series 2003A $2 Federal Reserve Note with a serial number beginning with numerals 2008. Price has been $7.95 apiece.

Dickens said that as of May 27 the BEP expects the Philadelphia installment, slated for a June 23 release, to go on sale as scheduled.

All four previous issues in this 2008 $2 Single Note series �?? Atlanta, New York, San Francisco and Dallas districts �?? have been selling out within days of going on sale.

What is the appeal of these packaged $2s over other BEP products? Is it the 10,000-piece limit for each district? An easy way to get uncirculated 2003A $2s from each district? The fact that it's a grouping that can be completed?

Court finds U.S. paper money discriminatory

David — Wed, 21 May 2008 21:08:06 GMT

You may have seen the news that a U.S. court decided May 20 that U.S. paper money is illegally discriminatory, "meaningful access" being denied to blind people.

Dave Harper presents his reaction in his blog Buzz.

What do you think, will U.S. paper money change on the basis of this decision?

Zimbabwe again ups top denomination

David — Fri, 09 May 2008 16:24:13 GMT

Beleagured Zimbabwe released new denominations of bearer checks May 6, already topping its April issue of ever higher denominations. Bearer checks are circulating as a form of currency in Zimbabwe where inflation has made some lower denominations nearly worthless.

These newest bank notes are denominated Z$250,000,000 and Z$100,000,000. A Chinese Web site has an image of a newspaper showing the new notes, which is the best look at the new issues that I've seen online so far.

These Z$250 million and Z$100 million notes appear to be the highest denominations issued anywhere. (If that's not so, I hope someone will advise with a comment.)

Yesterday I received an e-mail suggesting the United States revive its $500 note. Do we have need of a $500 bill now? Will we in three years? That's about the fastest I think such a note could be authorized, designed and issued.

BEP seeks apprentice picture engraver

David — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 22:11:52 GMT

If you were kicking yourself at having missed your chance to apply a month or so ago for the bank note designer apprenticeship at the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, here's a fresh opportunity for you to consider.

The BEP seeks an apprentice to work toward the role of picture engraver for bank notes.

This apprenticeship has a 10-year plan and includes study as well as engraving work. Skill at freehand drawing is expected, and mechanical drawing, as well as proficiency with digital design techniques. Some formal artistic background is expected such as a degree or certificate. A portfolio request in the position description designates areas to be evaluated.

The description of the position mentions what at least some of the work will be:

"The apprentice follows structured training schedules designed to build skills and experience in security engraving, generally progressing from simple ornamentation, working into larger landscapes, vignettes and portraits. Additionally, the apprentice will repair and restore vignettes and portrait dies, as well as inspection/repair of currency plates."

Good luck to any hobbyist who applies! If it's you, keep in touch with Bank Note Reporter.

Loonie, toonie and ... $5 coin?

David — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 13:26:41 GMT

A study in Canada advises that the nation should replace its $5 bill with a $5 coin.

That's among other recommended changes, including eliminating the one-cent coin and creating a 20-cent coin.

Here's a link to a PDF file (286 KB) of the study report, which as of this writing can also be found at Desjardins Group's Web site, in the Newsroom section on the home page. While I am not particularly familiar with Desjardins, it appears to be a cooperative network of financial services providers. You can explore the group's mission and services here.

The new study on circulating currency is titled "100th anniversary of the Canadian penny: An opportunity to re-examine the usefulness of our coins and bank notes in circulation," dated April 9, 2008.

While I would expect reactions to the suggestions to be mixed, I've noticed one commentator in the Montreal Gazette who doesn't like the idea.

Midwest Chapter of IBNS offers CPMX souvenir

David — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 16:23:13 GMT

Regular attendees of the Chicago Paper Money Expo are likely familiar with the souvenir cards produced each year by the Midwest Chapter of the International Bank Note Society. They actually include a bank note in a clear plastic holder affixed to the card.

This year's card, thirteenth in the series, features a 20-rupee bank note from the Reserve Bank of India (Standard Catalog of World Paper Money No. P-89A) depicting Mohandas Gandhi, better known as Mahatma Gandhi. The year 2008 is 60 years since his death in 1948.

A total of 100 cards were produced, all numbered.

Cards are available through the mail for U.S. $8, shipping included. Some previous years' cards remain available at the same price.

For information about ordering, contact Brian Giese at e-mail address IBNSus@yahoo.com.

King for nearly three months

David — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 14:47:14 GMT

In January, the troubled nation of Zimbabwe issued a note denominated ten million Zimbabwean dollars. That note was the highest denomination ever issued by a government, anywhere.

I blogged about it in January �?? you can see that post and an image of the ZWD$10 million note here.

Now a report says that Zimbabwe has begun issuing notes denominated ZWD$25 million and ZWD$50 million as of today.

Another report shows images of a person holding new ZWD$50 million notes.

Technically the country calls these bearer checks, but they circulate like bank notes.

Sad as it is for Zimbabwe and its people, collectors of high-denomination paper money now have a new height to scale, not even three months since the ZWD$10 million note raised a new peak.

Fox Business takes interest in bank notes

David — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 16:46:05 GMT

Numismatics doesn't often make a splash in the mass media. It's worth a look when it does get a moment in front of the cameras.

Scott Lindquist of Spink Smythe took some notes to Fox Business news a couple weeks ago, and I've just found the video archived on their site.

The segment host was seguing from the relative strength of the U.S. dollar to collecting paper money.

Kudos to Scott for making it happen.

And let me know if you find a serial No. 1 note in circulation!

Carnival time for C&C blogger

David — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 21:22:25 GMT

If you've found Digital Watermark, you've likely found several other numismatic blogs to enjoy.

Have you found them all?

Yesterday, blogger Nathan Bauman of Curator & Collector offered up his Numismatics Blog Carnival, No. 2, a select roundup of posts of the past month from many, many numismatic bloggers.

Take a look, see if you can add to your blogroll.

'D.B. Cooper' case makes news again

David — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 02:14:10 GMT

Many of us hadn't heard of "D.B. Cooper" before. He's the skyjacker who in 1971 held a plane for ransom and then jumped out with his cash, never heard from or seen again. (You can learn more about his story by clicking here.)

But a portion of his ransom was found by a youngster in the early 1980s. We learned last month that PCGS Currency is now slabbing that (slightly older) youngster's notes.

Normally that would be that. But now MSNBC.com and others are reporting that some new kids may have found part of the parachute "D.B. Cooper" used when he leaped from the plane.

A Seattle Post-Intelligencer online report says that FBI agents are seeking people with expert knowledge of "NB6 parachutes," which MSNBC.com expands to Navy Backpack 6 parachutes with 26-foot canopy.

New $5 robotic? No - Special powers? Maybe

David — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:35:37 GMT

A promotional video capturing reactions of the public to the redesigned $5 bill can be seen at the government's redesigned money site, on the multimedia downloads page.

Click the image in this post to go directly to the video.

The colorized Series 2006 $5 Federal Reserve Note was released to circulation March 13. When you see one, let me know what you think at e-mail david.kranz@fwpubs.com.

First news of a new $5 in circulation came in over the weekend and was reported today in Dave Harper's blog Buzz.

I picked up a few of the new $5s at one of my local banks today. I'll take them along to the Chicago Paper Money Expo this coming weekend.

Next question is, anyone found a star note yet?

Look behind current paper money redesign

David — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 15:30:27 GMT

We can all look at the redesigned U.S. bank notes in circulation and see the colors and other changes, but some people want more �?? more information about the why's and the alternatives considered.

Well, take a look at the National Academies' 2007 National Research Council report titled A Path to the Next Generation of U.S. Banknotes: Keeping Them Real. It's got some of that information. The report title link takes you to a page where you can buy a hard copy or PDF of the report, but the report also available there to read free using their online function.

I've mentioned this report previously, but was reminded of it today by a recent post at the Curator & Collector blog, which linked to this National Academies story. Thanks C&C!

Johnny Depp may tread my old streets

David — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:57:01 GMT

Big news in Wisconsin, home to the Bank Note Reporter offices, is that the film Public Enemies is currently shooting at locations all around the state. The film is about John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd, Baby Face Nelson and others who were part of the crime wave of 1933-1934. The film is based on the book by Bryan Burrough titled Public Enemies: America's Greatest Crime Wave and the Birth of the FBI, 1933-34.

Star Johnny Depp and director Michael Mann have already spent at least a day filming in Columbus, Wis. The movie also stars Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, Channing Tatum and more actors you'd recognize.

Tomorrow filming reportedly continues in my old hometown of Darlington, Wis.

This is exciting on a personal level. I enjoy watching and discussing films. I was a founding member, along with fellow blogger Tom Michael among others, of a movie discussion group that continues to be active after more than a dozen years. When I was growing up in Darlington, I participated in summer children's theater productions and in productions throughout high school �?? I really enjoyed it and have great memories of the people involved.

I hope high school drama director Leona Havens and current Darlington area students interested in theater and drama get some opportunities to be involved in this show business activity.

How is this numismatic? Well, I've been known to acquire a National Bank Note or two from Darlington (though the large-size note shown here is not mine).

And, like many National Bank Note collectors, I've always hoped Mark Hotz would swing through the town on one of his national bank tours for his Bank Note Reporter columns. I may have to revamp my 1999 article on Darlington NBNs for use when the film comes out.

Maybe I see the root of a neat exhibit here: Nationals from the towns where the film was shot.

I don't know what sort of prop paper money they're using for the film. Any thoughts?

Wisconsin filming locations that I've seen in online reports include Columbus, Oshkosh, Manitowish Waters, Richland Center, Madison and Milwaukee. Other sites scouted, and thus perhaps possibilities, included Baraboo and Viroqua, among others. Non-Wisconsin sites mentioned for filming include Chicago, Ill., Crown Point, Ind., and unnamed spots in Florida. None of this is from official sources.

The Darlington film location is reportedly the Lafayette County Courthouse. According to the Lafayette County web site, "The Lafayette County Courthouse was built between 1905 and 1907 at a total cost of $136,556.17. When Mr. Matt Murphy from Benton, Wisconsin, died in 1903, he bequested that 70% of his estate be used toward the construction of a County Courthouse. Today, Lafayette County has the distinction of having the only Courthouse still in use in the United States that was paid (for) solely by one man."

The film is scheduled for 2009 release. Think there's any chance they'd have the premier in Wisconsin?

Here it is, the new $5 bill

David — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 21:48:28 GMT

Ready for your close-up?

Pamela Gardiner, Deputy Director of the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing, holds a redesigned $5 bill, which features updated security features. These new $5 notes were released to circulation starting March 13. Additional information about the redesigned $5 bill is available at www.moneyfactory.gov/newmoney. (Photo by Robin Weiner.)

New $5s hit the streets today

David — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:37:55 GMT

Here it is, March 13, initial release day for the redesigned $5 Federal Reserve Note.

Let me know as soon as you get one!

It's conceivable that some people could receive one today. Most banks have regularly scheduled cash deliveries, though, and the new notes will enter real circulation at different times over coming days and weeks.

A "first spend" event, referred to as a "commemorative transaction" in the latest press release, took place this morning at President Lincoln's Cottage at the Soldier's Home in Washington, D.C.

--In the photo: Michael Lambert, (second left), Assistant Director of the Division of Reserve Bank Operations and Payment Systems for the Federal Reserve Board, uses a redesigned $5 bill to purchase a book of President Abraham Lincoln's speeches from Chris Hart, a volunteer at the gift shop of President Lincoln's Cottage in Washington, D.C., Thursday, March 13. Joining Lambert are (from left) Treasurer of the United States Anna Escobedo Cabral; Michael Merritt, Deputy Assistant Director for the Office of Investigations of the U.S. Secret Service; and Pamela Gardiner, Deputy Director for the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. (Photo by Robin Weiner.)--

For a denomination that initially wasn't scheduled for redesign, the $5's new features go a little beyond earlier redesigns. First, a large numeral 5 watermark replaces the Lincoln watermark to the right of the portrait. Second, a column of three smaller 5s has been added in watermark form to the left of the portrait.

New color added to the note is purple, highlighted by a large, easy-to-read purple 5 on the back. Small yellow 05s have been added on the front and back as well.

The security strip was also moved to a new position, to the right of the portrait.

Visually, the addition of part of the Great Seal of the United States with its eagle, shield and arc of stars makes this $5 stand out from the previous one.

One thing the new $5 does not have that its classmates in redesign do feature is a design element applied in metallic ink. We don't miss it, though.

Eyes turn now to the $100 bill, up next for redesign. Expected on the redesigned $100 is use of an optically variable device that we haven't seen before on U.S. paper money.

Here's your chance to design U.S. bank notes

David — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:40:24 GMT

An apprentice bank note designer is sought by the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing.

More and more people are combining freehand drawing and painting with digital design. It's required for this work. And an ability to collaborate. And, I would presume, humility. Unlike some coin designers, you don't get to sign your work.

We can expect ongoing redesign of U.S. paper money, though, and here's an entry point to that exciting future.

May BEP get the best. Good luck to any hobby-related persons who try!

History of counterfeiting interests students

David — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:56:00 GMT

One of the most visible experts in the history of U.S. bank note counterfeiting, Stephen Mihm, Ph.D., an assistant professor of History at the University of Georgia, discussed his 2007 book A Nation of Counterfeiters: Capitalists, Con Men and the Making of the United States at a university in New Jersey this past Monday.

An article about Mihm's visit, written by Laura Mortkowitz, appeared online today at the site of The Rider News, student newspaper at Rider University in Lawrenceville, N.J.

Here's what REALLY interested the student audience, though:

"During all his research, he came across some unique designs on bank notes, ranging from scantily clad women to one of his favorites, a polar bear devouring a man on a raft.

"With those designs, no wonder people looked at their money more."

ADDED: You can listen to an interview with Dr. Mihm if you follow the link provided for his book.

Canada produces anti-fraud DVD

David — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 21:26:47 GMT

March is Fraud Prevention Month in Canada, and that means educational efforts related to identifying counterfeit bank notes in circulation.

"As part of Fraud Prevention Month, speakers gathered at the RCMP Heritage Centre on Wednesday. They talked about ways people can spot counterfeit bank notes, cheques and money orders and how to avoid being victimized by identity theft and mail fraud," wrote Trevor Newell in a March 6 story in the Leader-Post of Regina, Saskatchewan.

A couple of statistics about counterfeiting are tossed in to flesh out the story.

The article mentions that DVDs showing characteristics of some fake notes, and also sharing information about how to spot fraudulent checks and detect identity theft, are available from the Bank of Canada.

The DVDs are apparently free to Canada-based retailers. Downloadable segments of the video appear to be available here.

There are further anti-counterfeiting informational videos available from Bank of Canada here.

Completely unrelated �?? but caught my eye while at the Bank of Canada site �?? are "souvenir" books about the bank and bank notes, available from the bank.

Can anyone comment on whether the bank's 2006 book about bank notes is worth seeking? It looks good.

BEP plans to offer sheets of new $5s March 13

David — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 22:31:35 GMT

On the day the redesigned, colorized Series 2006 $5 Federal Reserve Note is released to circulation, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing plans to offer uncut sheets of the new $5 notes via Internet and mail-order sales.

Planned are 32-, 16-, 8-, or 4-subject sheets. These $5s carry the facsimile signatures of Secretary of the Treasury Henry M. Paulson Jr. and U.S. Treasurer Anna Escobedo Cabral.

Before we get to that March 13 release, though, there are some other BEP products scheduled to go on sale.

March 7 is the on-sale date for the San Francisco district 2008 $2 Single Note, the second installment of the Series 2004 $20 Single Note Collection featuring San Francisco, Dallas, Minneapolis and Kansas City $20s, and the National Money Show Intaglio Print Card.

Keep up with BEP collector products at the Coming Soon portion of The BEP Store.

UPDATE 3/5/08: Thanks for the comment from reader Kacky Snorgle. I maintain that dating two different note types the same date will be confusing for collectors into the future. The comment prompts me to wonder whether the pre-colorized Series 2006 $5 sheets, which are available from the BEP now, will be scarcer in time than the colorized versions.

Recovered 'skyjacking' notes certified

David — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:48:36 GMT

A story in the March issue of Bank Note Reporter shares the news that PCGS Currency has slabbed a group of notes that were once used to pay ransom to a skyjacker.

The skyjacker, known as "D.B. Cooper," had leapt from an airplane with $200,000 in cash in 1971. Some of it was found in 1980 by an eight-year-old boy named Brian Ingram. He's kept that cash all these years, and now he's having it certified and placed in special holders by PCGS Currency.

The notes, all $20s, suffered great environmental damage prior to being discovered by Ingram, and for this reason PCGS Currency is not assigning grades to the notes. The firm's special holder for the notes includes the distinctive image of the FBI's sketch of "D.B. Cooper."

Further, PCGS Currency staff have pieced together and reported 35 serial numbers that appear the FBI's list of notes given to "D.B. Cooper" but were not previously recognized as being among the notes recovered by Ingram.

Ingram has been reported as saying that he would keep one or a few and disperse the rest, but latest word was that no final decisions had been made as to how or if to sell.

What do you think, you want one? How much would you pay?