What the H?

[/ dave /]

ChrisD(RJ) wrote:

> What the hell are pink dollars? What is Vershbow talking about?
> 
> U.S. calls on Russians not to fear for their savings due to coming "pink
> dollar"

I suspect it's the planned background colors for larger-denomination 
U.S. currency announced last summer. More info here (note the cutesy URL 
the U.S. Bureau of Engraving uses):

 > http://www.moneyfactory.com/document.cfm/10/63/1666

NexGen notes are latest in series to add anti-counterfeiting features

In keeping with their strategy of maintaining the security of Federal 
Reserve notes by enhancing the design of U.S. currency every seven to 
ten years, the Department of the Treasury’s Bureau of Engraving and 
Printing (Bureau) and the Federal Reserve Board today announced plans to 
release the next generation of redesigned notes, with improved security 
features to deter counterfeiting.

The new design, referred to as NexGen, affects the $100, $50, and $20 
notes. Circulation of the NexGen series could begin as early as fall 
2003 with the introduction of the redesigned $20 note. The $100 and $50 
notes will follow in twelve to eighteen months. Consistent with past 
design changes, the NexGen notes will remain the same size and use 
similar portraits and historical images to maintain an American 
appearance. The NexGen designs will include the introduction of subtle 
background colors. While color is not in itself a security feature, the 
use of color provides the opportunity to add additional features that 
could assist in deterring counterfeiting. The introduction of additional 
colors will also help consumers to identify the different denominations.

The new series will retain current security features, including 
watermarks similar to the portrait and visible when held up to a light, 
enhanced security threads that glow under ultraviolet light, 
microprinting, and color-shifting ink that changes color when the note 
is tilted.

The purpose of the currency redesign is to stay ahead of advanced 
computer technologies used for some types of counterfeiting. According 
to the U.S. Secret Service, $47.5 million in counterfeit money entered 
into circulation in fiscal year 2001. Of this amount, 39 percent was 
computer generated, compared with only 0.5 percent in 1995.

(...)

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/  dave  /