these stupid big head dollars still creep me out.

I can't say the wavy sans-serif type in the background is very classy.

The money gets uglier and uglier.

I think it's kind of nice to add a small bit of color into the bills to add a little bit of interest. However, hopefully the won't go overboard in the future and create Monopoly money like other countries have done. They don't even look like real currency.

It still isn't very pretty though. As long as old men heads are on them I doubt they ever will be pretty. Gotta love traditions.

I believe they have reached the point where the need for sophisticated anti-counterfeiting techniques requires the old-school design of the notes to be seriously updated. This most recent iteration is such a clash between new and old with it's spectral background hues and dull green engraved imagery. There's got to be a way to move to a European-style of currency design without losing the American-ness of our greenbacks.

The money gets uglier and uglier.

I agree -- but it makes it easier for me to spend it. It holds no design value for me.

For example, i remember receiving a calendar in 95 that Tolleson had designed for Fox River. The damn thing was gorgeous -- so I couldn't bear to write in it. Damn design fetishism.

One cool thing about all the new bills is the microprinting -- how do they do that shit?

...if you want to see the back of the new $20 , and try printing it out to be the first counterfeitor in your office.

new slogan:

"as queer as a (new) 20 dollar bill"

who knew Jackson had such sumptuous, rosey skin? Mmmm. All he needs

now is a cheekjob, nosepinch and chin tuck and learn to like toddlers.

Gotta love our Jacksons. If only

Andrew was part of the Five....

Oh great! We're totally blowing the budget!

[I was just wondering the other day how much using only two inks on our currency contributes to our national bottom line.]

...aah, I knew someone would do it. Don't ask, just go.

awesome! must be off the latest disk (its terrible).

I knew someone would do it. Don't ask, just go.

Now if only they had ink that would fade to white...

From the archives, here's a piece from the NY Times (scan of it, not link to it). Always wondered who was actually making the money, so to speak.

Obituary of Frank Gasparro, an Engraver at the Mint, NYT 10/3/01

I have to say I was relieved to see what they came up with. Personally, I like the "classic" look of American money, especially in comparison with the modern direction other countries have followed. In light of the ridiculous crap they've been creating for the 50 States series of quarters, I think the new $20 is rather dignified. And I like that they made Jackson's head even bigger, so big it broke out of the frame he was in!

The portrait of Jon Pertwee is rather nice. I hope they put Tom Baker on the new 50. What country are these bills for, again?