currency production

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s Public Gallery: A Century of Educating Visitors About American Currency

June 20, 2026June 15, 2026 by

For over a century, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing has opened its doors to millions of curious visitors, offering an unparalleled look at how America’s paper money is designed, printed, and finished. Understanding the BEP’s public tour history adds rich context to any currency collection and reveals the fascinating intersection of security, craftsmanship, and public transparency.

The Standard Electric Engraving Machine and How It Transformed BEP Portrait Work After 1900

June 15, 2026 by

Before electric engraving arrived at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, every portrait on American currency was painstakingly cut by hand, a process measured in months. Discover how the Standard Electric Engraving Machine revolutionized the craft after 1900, reshaped the faces on your notes, and left lasting clues that collectors can still read today.

The BEP’s Intaglio Printing Process: Why US Currency Feels Different from Regular Paper

June 15, 2026 by

The distinctive raised-ink texture of a United States banknote is no accident: it is the direct result of a 150-year-old intaglio printing tradition maintained by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Understanding exactly how this process works, why it matters for authentication, and how it affects the collectibility and grading of your notes will transform the way you handle every bill in your collection.