The Bureau

So how’s everybody doing lately, I’ve been doing good I actually just came back from Texas. But the reason I’m telling you this is because in Fort Worth, Texas is the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP); and for those of you who don’t know, the BEP is the sole producer of all US paper currency since 1877. The BEP also produces several other security documents such as U.S. passports, materials for Homeland Security, military identification cards and Immigration and Naturalization Certificates, but is still well know for printing currency. There is only two BEPs one in Fort Worth, Texas and another in Washington, D.C. Although most believe the dollar bill comes fro the US Mint, only coins are created at the US Mint. Though new printing , production and examing technologies have brought the BEP into the 21st century, to help stop counterfeiters, the Bureau’s engravers continue to use the same traditional tools used over 125 years ago – the graver, the burnisher, and the hand-held glass. And they gave us a sneak peak that there will be new hundred dollar bill coming out, but the official date is unknown but either this year or 2009. If anyone gets the chance I would highly recommend taking the free tour, not only will you see large, blank sheets of paper turn into wallet-ready bills but you will see millions of dollars in less then an hour.