The U.S. $1 bill is more than just a piece of currency — it is a compact canvas that blends history, security, and design into one object. Each of the parts of a dollar bill, from the paper it is printed on to the intricate borders and symbols, serves a role.
Material and Physical Composition
What is the Dollar Bill Made Of
The modern dollar is composed of 75% cotton and 25% linen. This unique paper blend gives the bill a distinct feel and adds durability, making it capable of withstanding heavy use and tears.
Built-in Security Fibers
Tiny red and blue fibers are scattered throughout the fabric of the dollar for subtle but effective anti-counterfeiting measures.
The Obverse of the Dollar Bill: Authority and Identification
The Central Portrait (Vignette)
At the center of the obverse or face of the dollar bill, a vignette features George Washington’s portrait, which is framed by elaborate scrollwork and geometric borders. Washington first appeared on the $1 bill in 1869, replacing Salmon P. Chase’s portrait on large size Legal Tender notes.
Federal Reserve Seal and District Number
To the left of the portrait, the Federal Reserve Seal identifies which of the twelve Federal Reserve Banks issued the note. Inside the seal, a letter (A-L) corresponds to one of the banks, and the same letter and district number (1-12) appear in all four corners of the bill. (Example: A bill from the New York Federal Reserve Bank bears the letter B and the number 2.)
Treasury Seal
To Washington’s right, the green Treasury Seal marks the bill as official legal tender. The seal features:
- A balance scale representing justice
- A key symbolizing financial authority
- Thirteen stars for the original colonies
Official Signatures
Beneath the seals are the signatures of the Secretary of the Treasury and the Treasurer of the United States — these are the final authorizations that allow the bill to legally enter circulation.
Serial Numbers
Printed twice — in the upper right and lower left corners — is the bill’s serial number, a unique alphanumeric identifier. The first letter links to the issuing Federal Reserve Bank, tying the bill directly to its origin.
Series Year
Near the portrait, the Series Year marks the year this design was approved. If minor changes occur (such as new official signatures), a letter suffix (e.g., 2017A) is added. It should be noted that the Series Year is not always the year of issue.
Production Codes
In the upper left corner, a Note Position Code (a letter and number) reveals exactly where this bill was positioned on the printing sheet.
Face and Back Plate Serial Numbers
- Face plate serial numbers are found on the lower right corner of the face — identifying the exact engraving plate used for the face.
- Back plate serial numbers, or check numbers are printed on the lower right corner of the back — identifying the engraving plate used for the reverse.
These details help the Bureau of Engraving and Printing maintain quality control and trace errors back to the source.
Borders and Background Patterns
Elaborate scrollwork and geometric patterns surround the design to create a frame that is visually elegant and practically essential, as the complex designs are difficult to replicate. This serves as a natural anti-counterfeiting measure, buildings on the rich history of anti-counterfeiting technology that Benjamin Franklin developed with prints of leaf veins.
The Back of the Dollar Bill: National Symbolism
The back of the bill tells the story of the nation’s founding principles and values through imagery, inscriptions, and symbols.
The Great Seal of the United States
The Great Seal, featured prominently on the back, is divided into two distinct parts.
Right of the Great Seal: The Bald Eagle
On the right side, the eagle spreads its wings, holding:
- Olive branch — representing peace
- Thirteen arrows — symbolizing readiness for war
The eagle’s chest bears a shield with thirteen vertical stripes, and a blue horizontal band symbolizes unity under Congress. Above the eagle floats a banner reading E Pluribus Unum (“Out of many, one.”)
Left of the Great Seal: The Unfinished Pyramid
On the left side, the pyramid stands unfinished, a metaphor for ongoing national growth. Above the pyramid, the Eye of Providence watches over the nation, symbolizing divine guidance. The pyramid’s base displays MDCCLXXVI — 1776 in Roman numerals.
Two Latin phrases frame the design:
- Annuit Coeptis — (He has favored our undertakings)
- Novus Ordo Seclorum (A new order of the ages)
Inscriptions and Decorative Details
National Motto
Above the Great Seal, the national motto IN GOD WE TRUST appears, added to the $1 bill in 1957.
Borders and Patterns
The ornate scrollwork and engraving that frame the back provide visual continuity with the face while adding another layer of complexity to hinder counterfeiting.
The $1 bill is a piece of history, and each element of the design plays a role in preserving its authenticity and telling the story of America’s founding and enduring values. To fully understand the dollar bill is to appreciate it not as a series of isolated parts, but as a unified, intentional design that reflects the identity of the United States itself.
