$20 Note

    2003 - Present - front
    2003 - Present - front
    2003 - Present - back
    Security Thread

    Security Thread

    Hold the note to light to see an embedded thread running vertically to the left of the portrait.  The thread is imprinted with the text USA TWENTY and a small flag in an alternating pattern and is visible from both sides of the note.  The thread glows green when illuminated by ultraviolet light.

    Watermark

    Watermark

    Hold the note to light and look for a faint image of President Jackson in the blank space to the right of the portrait.  The image is visible from both sides of the note.

    Color-Shifting Ink

    Color-Shifting Ink

    Tilt the note to see the numeral 20 in the lower right corner of the front of the note shift from copper to green.

    • Federal Reserve System Seal

      Federal Reserve System Seal

      A black seal to the left of the portrait represents the entire Federal Reserve System.  A letter and number beneath the left serial number identifies the distributing Federal Reserve Bank.

    • Microprinting

      Microprinting

      Look carefully (magnification may be necessary) to see the small printed text USA20 along the border of the first three letters of the blue TWENTY USA ribbon to the right of the portrait and THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 20 USA 20 in black in the border below the Treasurer’s signature.

    • Raised Printing

      Raised Printing

      Move your finger along the note’s surface to feel the raised printing, which gives genuine Federal Reserve notes their distinctive texture.

    • Paper

      Paper

      Federal Reserve note paper is one-fourth linen and three-fourths cotton, and contains red and blue security fibers. 

    • Color

      Color

      The note includes background colors of green and peach.  The words TWENTY USA have been printed in blue in the background to the right of the portrait.

    • Portrait and Vignette

      Portrait and Vignette

      The $20 note features a portrait of President Jackson on the front of the note and a vignette of the White House on the back of the note.

    • Symbols of Freedom

      Symbols of Freedom

      The large blue eagle in the background to the left of President Jackson’s portrait is representative of those drawn and sculpted during his time period.  The smaller metallic green eagle to the lower right of the portrait is a more contemporary engraving. 

    • Green 20

      Green 20

      A large green numeral 20 in the lower right corner on the back of the note helps those with visual impairments distinguish the denomination.

    • Treasury Seal

      Treasury Seal

      A green seal to the right of the portrait represents the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

    • Serial Numbers

      Serial Numbers

      A unique combination of eleven numbers and letters appears twice on the front of the note.  

    • Series Year

      The design includes series years 2004, 2004A, 2006, 2009, and 2013.

    Security Thread

    Security Thread

    Hold the note to light to see an embedded thread running vertically to the left of the portrait.  The thread is imprinted with the text USA TWENTY and a small flag in an alternating pattern and is visible from both sides of the note.  The thread glows green when illuminated by ultraviolet light.

    Watermark

    Watermark

    Hold the note to light and look for a faint image of President Jackson in the blank space to the right of the portrait.  The image is visible from both sides of the note.

    Color-Shifting Ink

    Color-Shifting Ink

    Tilt the note to see the numeral 20 in the lower right corner of the front of the note shift from copper to green.

    1998 - 2003-front
    1998 - 2003-front
    1998 - 2003-back
    Security Thread

    Security Thread

    Hold the note to light to see an embedded thread running vertically to the left of the portrait.  The thread is imprinted with the text USA TWENTY and a small flag in an alternating pattern and is visible from both sides of the note.  The thread glows green when illuminated by ultraviolet light.

    Watermark

    Watermark

    Hold the note to light and look for a faint image of President Jackson in the blank space to the right of the portrait.  The image is visible from both sides of the note.

    Color-Shifting Ink

    Color-Shifting Ink

    Tilt the note to see the numeral 20 in the lower right corner of the front of the note shift from green to black.

    • Federal Reserve System Seal

      Federal Reserve System Seal

      A black seal to the left of the portrait represents the entire Federal Reserve System.  A letter and number beneath the left serial number identifies the distributing Federal Reserve Bank.

    • Microprinting

      Microprinting

      Look carefully (magnification may be necessary) to see the small printed text USA20 repeated within the numeral in the lower left corner on the front of the note and THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA along the lower edge ornamentation framing the portrait.

    • Raised Printing

      Raised Printing

      Move your finger along the note’s surface to feel the raised printing, which gives genuine Federal Reserve notes their distinctive texture.

    • Paper

      Paper

      Federal Reserve note paper is one-fourth linen and three-fourths cotton, and contains red and blue security fibers. 

    • Portrait and Vignette

      Portrait and Vignette

      The $20 note features a portrait of President Jackson on the front of the note and a vignette of the White House on the back of the note.

    • Green 20

      Green 20

      A large green numeral 20 in the lower right corner on the back of the note helps those with visual impairments distinguish the denomination.

    • Treasury Seal

      Treasury Seal

      A green seal to the right of the portrait represents the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

    • Serial Numbers

      Serial Numbers

      A unique combination of eleven numbers and letters appears twice on the front of the note. 

    • Series Year

      Series Year

      The design includes series years 1996, 1999, and 2001.

    Security Thread

    Security Thread

    Hold the note to light to see an embedded thread running vertically to the left of the portrait.  The thread is imprinted with the text USA TWENTY and a small flag in an alternating pattern and is visible from both sides of the note.  The thread glows green when illuminated by ultraviolet light.

    Watermark

    Watermark

    Hold the note to light and look for a faint image of President Jackson in the blank space to the right of the portrait.  The image is visible from both sides of the note.

    Color-Shifting Ink

    Color-Shifting Ink

    Tilt the note to see the numeral 20 in the lower right corner of the front of the note shift from green to black.

    1990 - 1998 - front
    1990 - 1998 - front
    1990 - 1998 - back
    Security Thread

    Security Thread

    Hold the note to light to see an embedded thread running vertically to the left of the Federal Reserve Bank seal.  The thread is imprinted with the letters USA and the word TWENTY in an alternating pattern and is visible from both sides of the note.  The thread glows green when illuminated by ultraviolet light. 

    Microprinting

    Microprinting

    Look carefully (magnification may be necessary) to see the small printed words THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA along the outer edge of the portrait's oval frame.

    • Federal Reserve Bank Seal

      Federal Reserve Bank Seal

      A black seal to the left of the portrait which bears the name and corresponding letter of the distributing Federal Reserve Bank.

    • Treasury Seal

      Treasury Seal

      A green seal to the right of the portrait represents the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

    • Raised Printing

      Raised Printing

      Move your finger along the note's surface to feel the raised printing, which gives genuine Federal Reserve notes their distinctive texture.

    • Paper

      Paper

      Federal Reserve note paper is one-fourth linen and three-fourths cotton, and contains red and blue security fibers. 

    • Portrait and Vignette

      Portrait and Vignette

      The $20 note features a portrait of President Jackson on the front of the note and a vignette of the White House on the back of the note. 

    • Serial Numbers

      Serial Numbers

      A unique combination of eleven numbers and letters appears twice on the front of the note. 

    • Series Year

      Series Year

      The design includes series years 1990, 1993, and 1995.

    Security Thread

    Security Thread

    Hold the note to light to see an embedded thread running vertically to the left of the Federal Reserve Bank seal.  The thread is imprinted with the letters USA and the word TWENTY in an alternating pattern and is visible from both sides of the note.  The thread glows green when illuminated by ultraviolet light. 

    Microprinting

    Microprinting

    Look carefully (magnification may be necessary) to see the small printed words THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA along the outer edge of the portrait's oval frame.

    1928 - 1990 $20 bill front
    1928 - 1990 $20 bill front
    1928 - 1990 $20 bill back
    Federal Reserve Bank Seal

    Federal Reserve Bank Seal

    A black seal to the left of the portrait bears the name of the distributing Federal Reserve Bank.

    Serial Numbers

    Serial Numbers

    A combination of numbers and letters appears twice on the front of the note.

    Paper

    Paper

    Federal Reserve note paper is one-fourth linen and three-fourths cotton, and contains red and blue security fibers.

    Portrait and Vignette

    Portrait and Vignette

    The portrait and vignette was changed in 1929 to feature President Jackson on the front of the note and the White House on the back of the note.

    Raised Printing

    Raised Printing

    Move your finger along the note’s surface to feel the raised printing, which gives genuine Federal Reserve notes their distinctive texture.

    Treasury Seal

    Treasury Seal

    A seal to the right of the portrait represents the U.S. Department of the Treasury.  The design of the seal was changed to incorporate an English inscription and appears on all Federal Reserve notes of the 1969 series year or later. 

    Federal Reserve Bank Seal

    Federal Reserve Bank Seal

    A black seal to the left of the portrait bears the name of the distributing Federal Reserve Bank.

    Serial Numbers

    Serial Numbers

    A combination of numbers and letters appears twice on the front of the note.

    Paper

    Paper

    Federal Reserve note paper is one-fourth linen and three-fourths cotton, and contains red and blue security fibers.

    Portrait and Vignette

    Portrait and Vignette

    The portrait and vignette was changed in 1929 to feature President Jackson on the front of the note and the White House on the back of the note.

    Raised Printing

    Raised Printing

    Move your finger along the note’s surface to feel the raised printing, which gives genuine Federal Reserve notes their distinctive texture.

    Treasury Seal

    Treasury Seal

    A seal to the right of the portrait represents the U.S. Department of the Treasury.  The design of the seal was changed to incorporate an English inscription and appears on all Federal Reserve notes of the 1969 series year or later. 

    1914 - 1934 - front
    1914 - 1934 - front
    1914 - 1934 - front
    Federal Reserve Bank Seal

    Federal Reserve Bank Seal

    A black seal to the left of the portrait bears the name of the distributing Federal Reserve Bank.

    Serial Numbers

    Serial Numbers

    A combination of numbers and letters appears twice on the front of the note.

    Paper

    Paper

    Federal Reserve note paper is one-fourth linen and three-fourths cotton, and contains red and blue security fibers.

    Portrait and Vignette

    Portrait and Vignette

    The portrait and vignette was changed in 1929 to feature President Jackson on the front of the note and the White House on the back of the note.

    Raised Printing

    Raised Printing

    Move your finger along the note’s surface to feel the raised printing, which gives genuine Federal Reserve notes their distinctive texture.

    Treasury Seal

    Treasury Seal

    A seal to the right of the portrait represents the U.S. Department of the Treasury.  The design of the seal was changed to incorporate an English inscription and appears on all Federal Reserve notes of the 1969 series year or later. 

    Federal Reserve Bank Seal

    Federal Reserve Bank Seal

    A black seal to the left of the portrait bears the name of the distributing Federal Reserve Bank.

    Serial Numbers

    Serial Numbers

    A combination of numbers and letters appears twice on the front of the note.

    Paper

    Paper

    Federal Reserve note paper is one-fourth linen and three-fourths cotton, and contains red and blue security fibers.

    Portrait and Vignette

    Portrait and Vignette

    The portrait and vignette was changed in 1929 to feature President Jackson on the front of the note and the White House on the back of the note.

    Raised Printing

    Raised Printing

    Move your finger along the note’s surface to feel the raised printing, which gives genuine Federal Reserve notes their distinctive texture.

    Treasury Seal

    Treasury Seal

    A seal to the right of the portrait represents the U.S. Department of the Treasury.  The design of the seal was changed to incorporate an English inscription and appears on all Federal Reserve notes of the 1969 series year or later. 

    The $20 note features subtle background colors of green and peach. The $20 note includes an embedded security thread that glows green when illuminated by UV light. When held to light, a portrait watermark of President Jackson is visible from both sides of the note.The note includes a color-shifting numeral 20 in the lower right corner of the note.

    Twenty dollars

    Click play to view features

    Color-Shifting Ink

    Tilt the note to see the numeral 20 in the lower right corner on the front of the note shift from copper to green.

    Portrait Watermark

    Hold the note to light and look for a faint image of President Jackson in the blank space to the right of the portrait.  The image is visible from both sides of the note.

    Security Thread

    Hold the note to light to see an embedded thread running vertically to the left of the portrait. The thread is imprinted with the text USA TWENTY and a small flag in an alternating pattern and is visible from both sides of the note. The thread glows green when illuminated by ultraviolet light.

    Raised Printing

    Move your finger along the note’s surface to feel the raised printing, which gives genuine Federal Reserve notes their distinctive texture.

    Microprinting

    Look carefully (magnification may be necessary) to see the small text USA20 along the border of the first three letters of the blue TWENTY USA ribbon to the right of the portrait and THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 20 USA 20 in black in the border below the Treasurer’s signature.

    Downloads

    • Carnival Thrills and Dollar Bills

      Carnival Thrills and Dollar Bills

      An illustrated book about U.S. currency for elementary students.

    • Cashier Station

      Cashier Toolkit

      A guide to identifying genuine currency for cashiers.

    • Teller Station

      Teller Toolkit
      A guide to identifying genuine currency for tellers.
    • Know the $20

      Know the $20

      Place this card by the register to remind you of ways to quickly and discreetly check if a banknote is real.

    • Crop of the Lincoln Memorial steps on the $100 note.

      Dollars in Detail guide

      Refer to this comprehensive guide for in-depth technical information on U.S. currency.

    • Play Money Coloring Sheets

      Play Money Coloring Sheets

      These printable coloring sheets of denominations $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, and $100 are intended for children, parents, and teachers.

    • Decoding Dollars: the $20 Brochure & Poster

      Decoding Dollars: the $20 Brochure & Poster

      This brochure contains information about how to recognize and use security features in the $20 note. It unfolds into a poster that can be displayed in a breakroom or at a point of sale.

    • Face of Abraham Lincoln

      Quick Reference Guide

      The Quick Reference Guide is a comprehensive resource on the security and design features of U.S. currency. This item unfolds and can be displayed next to a point of sale as an easy-to-use reference.

    • A curled view of the $100 note.

      Multinote Booklet

      This 12-page booklet contains detailed information about the security and design features in the redesigned $100 note and those in the current-design $5, $10, $20, and $50 notes.

    • A curled view of the $100 note.

      Multinote Poster

      This poster features the security features in the redesigned $100 note and those in the current-design $5, $10, $20, and $50 notes.

    • Know Your Money

      Know Your Money

      This comprehensive guide includes technical information on the security and design features of the current-design $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 notes.

    • $20 Note (2003-Present)

      $20 Note (2003-Present)

      Explore security and design features of the $20 note, issued 2003-present.

    • $20 Note (1998-2003)

      $20 Note (1998-2003)

      Explore security and design features of the $20 note, issued 1998-2003.

    • $20 Note (1990-1998)

      $20 Note (1990-1998)

      Explore security and design features of the $20 note, issued 1990-1998.

    • $20 Note (1914-1990)

      $20 Note (1914-1990)

      Explore security and design features of the $20 note, issued 1914-1990.

    History

    1861
    Demand Notes

    In order to finance the Civil War, Congress authorizes the U.S. Department of the Treasury to issue non-interest-bearing Demand Notes. These notes earn the nickname “greenbacks” because of their color. All U.S. currency issued since 1861 remains valid and redeemable at full face value.

    SEE FULL HISTORY TIMELINE
    1862
    United States Notes

    Congress authorizes a new class of currency, known as “United States notes,” or “Legal Tender notes.” These notes are characterized by a red seal and serial number. They continue to circulate until 1971.
     

    SEE FULL HISTORY TIMELINE
    1862
    The Foundation of Modern Design

    By 1862, the Demand Notes incorporate fine-line engraving, intricate geometric lathe work patterns, a U.S. Department of the Treasury seal, and engraved signatures to aid in counterfeit deterrence. To this day, U.S. currency continues to add features to deter counterfeiting.

    SEE FULL HISTORY TIMELINE
    1863
    A National Banking System

    Congress establishes a national banking system and authorizes the U.S. Department of the Treasury to oversee the issuance of National Banknotes. This system sets Federal guidelines for chartering and regulating "national" banks and authorizes those banks to issue national currency secured by the purchase of United States bonds.

    SEE FULL HISTORY TIMELINE
    1869
    Centralized Printing of United States Notes

    The Bureau of Engraving and Printing begins engraving and printing the faces and seals of U.S. banknotes. Before this, U.S. banknotes were produced by private banknote companies and then sent to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing for sealing, trimming, and cutting.

    SEE FULL HISTORY TIMELINE
    1889
    Names Added to Portraits

    Legislation mandates that all banknotes and other securities containing portraits include the name of the individual below the portrait. This is why you see names below the portraits on banknotes to this day.

    SEE FULL HISTORY TIMELINE
    1913
    Federal Reserve Act

    The Federal Reserve Act of 1913 establishes the Federal Reserve as the nation’s central bank and provides for a national banking system that is more responsive to the fluctuating financial needs of the country. The Federal Reserve Board issues new currency called Federal Reserve notes.

    SEE FULL HISTORY TIMELINE
    1929
    Standardization of Design

    The appearance of U.S. banknotes changes greatly in 1929. In an effort to lower manufacturing costs, all Federal Reserve notes are made about 30 percent smaller—measuring 6.14 x 2.61 inches, rather than 7.375 x 3.125 inches. In addition, standardized designs are instituted for each denomination, decreasing the number of designs in circulation and making it easier for the public to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit notes.

    SEE FULL HISTORY TIMELINE
    1971
    United States Notes Discontinued

    Because United States notes no longer served any function not already adequately met by Federal Reserve notes, their issuance was discontinued and, beginning in 1971, no new United States notes were placed into circulation.

    SEE FULL HISTORY TIMELINE
    1990
    Security Thread and Microprinting

    A security thread and microprinting are introduced in Federal Reserve notes to deter counterfeiting by copiers and printers. The features first appear in Series 1990 $100 notes. By Series 1993, the features appeared on all denominations except $1 and $2 notes.

    SEE FULL HISTORY TIMELINE
    1996
    Currency Redesign

    In the first significant design change since the 1920s, U.S. currency is redesigned to incorporate a series of new counterfeit deterrents. Issuance of the new banknotes begins with the $100 note in 1996, followed by the $50 note in 1997, the $20 note in 1998, and the $10 and $5 notes in 2000.

    SEE FULL HISTORY TIMELINE
    2003
    The Redesigned $20 Note

    The new-design $20 note features subtle background colors of green and peach. The $20 note includes an embedded security thread that glows green when illuminated by UV light. When held to light, a portrait watermark of President Jackson is visible from both sides of the note. In addition, the note includes a color-shifting numeral 20 in the lower right corner of the note.

    SEE FULL HISTORY TIMELINE

    Featured

    Decoding Dollars: The $20 brochure

    $20 Note Life Cycle

    Before a Federal Reserve note enters circulation, it must pass through four critical steps: design, order, production, and issuance.

    Explore the Full Life Cycle
    • 1.8
      Billion Notes
      2018 FY Print Order
    • $183.8
      Billion
      2017 Value in Circulation
    • 7.9
      Years
      Estimated Lifespan

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